What offenses are involved in drunk driving violations?
If you have been stopped for drinking and driving, you may be charged with one of several misdemeanor offenses. First – an OWI which stands for Operating While Intoxicated, second – an OWVI which stands for Operating While Visibly Impaired, third – an OWPD which stands for Operating with any Presence of Drugs, or fourth – a Zero Tolerance which applies to persons under 21 years of age. There are also felony offenses involving drunk driving, including OWI or OWVI causing death or serious injury, and child endangerment. Anyone convicted of the first three of these charges will automatically lose his or her drivers license for a period of time and have at least six points added to his or her driving record by the Secretary of State. If you are eligible, the Secretary of State will issue a restricted driver’s license allowing you to drive only for certain reasons such as going to work or school. In all drunk driving offenses, you have the right to an attorney and to a trial by a judge or j
