Penalties associated with Drinking and Driving
DWAI
Driving While Ability Impaired is a violation. A person convicted of a Driving While Ability Impaired violation faces up to 15 days in jail, a 90 day license suspension, a fine between $300 and $500 as well as mandatory minimum court surcharge of $255.
DWI
DWI is a misdemeanor. Any person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content .08 or greater will be charged with DWI. A person convicted of a first time DWI faces up to 1 year in jail or 3 years probation, a 6 month license revocation, a fine between $500 and $1000 as well as mandatory minimum court surcharge of $395.
Aggravated DWI
Aggravated DWI is a misdemeanor. Any person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content .18 or greater will be charged with an Aggravated DWI. A person convicted of a first time Aggravated DWI faces up to 1 year in jail or 3 years probation, a 1 year license revocation, a fine between $1000 and $2500 as well as mandatory minimum court surcharge of $520.
DMV Consequences
Any person who is convicted of a Drinking Driving related offense faces a DMV Driver Assessment penalty of a $750 one time payment, or $250 a year payment for three years.
This does not include fees related to an ignition interlock device.
