A few drinks.

Field Sobriety Test shows impairment: Police will take driver to the station for breath or blood test. 

DWI checkpoint or other traffic stop.

B.A.C. less than .08 or there was no impairing substance found in blood test: There is often no charge filed unless driver is under 21 -- then any amount of alcohol can result in arrest. 

Field Sobriety Tests and hand-held Breathalyzer.

B.A.C. (Blood Alcohol Content) .08 or more or blood test shows impairing substance -- Arrest for DWI. If driver is over 21 and shows impairment, he/she can be charged even though breathalyzer reading is low. 

Officer determines whether to have you go to police station for breath test.

Driver will be arrested and scheduled for court.

If charged - arrested; then either go home on "own recognizance" or to jail.

Driver's license is revoked on the spot for 30 days. 

Lose driver's license for 30 days -- Civil Revocation.

Get permit to drive after 10 days rather than 30 after getting DWI Assessment at First Step.

Get DWI Assessment by First Step Substance Abuse & DWI Services and get permit to drive in 10 days.

Hire a good attorney

At court, judge will hear arguments by District Attorney and defense attorney to determine guilt. A good attorney may assist in preventing probation, jail and will assist with getting a Limited Driving Privilege that works well for you.

Trial -- If guilty First Step will assist you through as much of the process as we can. 

If guilty, factors considered are: Grossly Aggravating, Aggravating and Mitigating. These determine level of punishment

If convicted loss of license is: 1st offense, 1 year; 2d offense, 4 years, 3d offense, permanent, 3 or more in 10 years is Habitual Impaired Driving -- a felony . 

If B.A.C. was .15 or more, you will be required to have Interlock installed to drive, and will possibly get a probation officer.

Let First Step show you how avoid situation again.  Our goal in working with all clients and patients it to assist you in never having another problem, legal or otherwise, with alcohol or drugs again in your life.

Get your licensed back and move on with your life.  

Get Driver's License back.