| The fear of the first offense: | | | | M.A.D.D. (Mothers against Drunk Driving) has a forum |
| DWI (Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or other | | | | that addresses the DWI offenders. The victims of |
| intoxicating drugs) is a very serious offense in all | | | | drunk drivers address the persons convicted of drunk |
| developed and developing countries. The problem is | | | | driving and talk to them about the dangers of DWI and |
| that most people do not realize that this is such a huge | | | | how they can avoid the same. The offers may have |
| problem, until they commit it. Teenagers pose to be | | | | to attend an approved DWI education class within 180 |
| dare devils and engage in drunk driving and speeding. | | | | days from the date on which they are convicted. If |
| Their revelry comes to a full stop once they are | | | | they do this, they may be able to avoid getting their |
| charged with DWI and fear starts showing on their | | | | license suspended. |
| faces. | | | | The enormity of this offence strikes the offenders |
| Punishment for the first offense: | | | | only after they fall all these varied punishments. Most |
| In the absence of aggravating factors, the first DWI | | | | of them never commit DWI ever again in their lives. |
| offender gets off a little lightly. He may face the | | | | However, there are few who do it again and their |
| following punishments and penalties:i) A fine of an | | | | fates are worse. Second, Third and Fourth DWI |
| amount not exceeding $2000 (This applies to Dallas | | | | offenders have to face serious consequences. |
| but the law charges between states and even | | | | Aggravating factors: |
| between counties)ii) A jail term of 3 days to 6 | | | | In case, there are certain aggravating factors like a |
| months.iii) The offender may have to do community | | | | child in the car, loss of limb or life of casualty, etc. |
| service for 24 hours to 100 hours as per ordered by | | | | involved in the case the punishment may increase. |
| the court.iv) If it appears that the person has an alcohol | | | | 'Prevention is better than Punishment' in the case of |
| habit, the judge may order him or her to go in for | | | | DWI and thus, it is better you take steps to avoid |
| rehabilitation. | | | | driving for at least 12 hours after your last drink. |
| Other types of punishment: | | | | |