|
What is a DWI Citation?
When a person is charged with a DWI citation, it means that the police officer who wrote the citation had a logical reason to believe that the person was driving while intoxicated. DWI (driving while intoxicated) is just one of the many terms used to describe a person who is driving under the influence. DUI, DUII, OWI and a variety of other terms are used interchangeably.
What Constitutes a DWI Citation?
In most cases, a DWI citation begins with a police officer spotting a driver who seems to have difficulty controlling the vehicle they are driving. The first signs of someone who may receive a DWI charge might include swerving, causing near accidents, irregular speed either high or low, and in extreme cases, wrecking their car. If a police officer pulls someone over who is exhibiting the aforementioned signs, they will make the determination whether or not to charge the person with a DWI citation. They will go forth with the charge if they feel the driver is breaking the law.
Generally, the police offer will ask questions about whether or not the driver is intoxicated and then proceed to sobriety testing. The sobriety tests are a part of every DWI investigation, as they allow an officer to determine the degree to which the intoxication is affecting the driver. Sobriety tests include balance, time orientation, spatial orientation, and neurological signs such as nystagmus. If the determination has been made that a DWI citation is necessary, the driver will be placed under arrest and taken to the jail where they will be booked and held until their bail is paid or they are released on their own recognizance. Following a DWI citation and being released from jail, the defendant will be asked to appear in court to determine whether a punishment will be given, or if the charge will be dropped. This is determined by the court system, and often depends on the risk factors associated with the defendant and if they have a record of a previous DWI or if it is their first citation.
|
