DWI Attorneys - Driving While Intoxicated

What is a DWI?

A person is guilty of DWI when he or she drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance to the extent that his or her mental faculties are impaired or when his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit for the state.

Depending on what state in which the defendant charged, driving while intoxicated can also be known as any of the following: Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). In recent years, 48 states have enacted a second, "per se", offense: driving with an excessive blood-alcohol concentration (typically either .08% or .10%). In those states, BOTH offenses are charged, and the defendant can even be convicted of both. But he or she can only be punished for one. If a person drinks while boating, he or she could potentially be charged with Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), which carries similar consequences as DUI charges.

All of these forms of operating vehicles while intoxicated are criminal law matters, which could potentially incur a felony conviction and possibly a prison sentence, depending on how serious the charges are. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, you should contact a DWI attorney immediately if you are arrested. Use the attorney search form on this page to find a qualified DWI attorney for your case or for that of your friend or loved one.

Should I hire a DWI Attorney?

Because DWI is such a highly technical field, you not only need to hire a lawyer, but one who specifically specializes in DWI defense. DWI attorneys know that some of the enforcement and judicial procedures are unconstitutional and violate motorists' rights. They are more well versed with the different sobriety tests and their varying accuracy levels. Don't give up your rights. Use the search form on this page to find a qualified DWI attorney who understands your particular needs and situation.

To begin your search, select a your state below.

Featured Lead Counsel Rated Attorneys

• Law Offices of Gregory Rubel

  Encino, CA
  866-926-7162
  Free Consultation
  Drunk Driving Defense

• Stephen L. Jones

  Norwell, MA
  866-435-2801
  Drunk Driving Defense

• Law Office of Garrett T. Ogata, Esq.

  Las Vegas, NV
  866-499-8641
  Drunk Driving Defense

• Law Offices of Brian J. White

  San Diego, CA
  619-567-3166
  Free Consultation
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• Ian N. Friedman & Associates, L.L.C.

  Cleveland, OH
  866-775-6376
  Drunk Driving Defense