Reader’s Question:

Hi. I have a 17-year old daughter who has been arrested for drunk driving last Sunday. What is the process for first-time offenders of DWI in Palm Beach, Florida?

Harry

Palm Beach, FL

Being charged with DWI is stressful especially for first-time offenders. At the time of arrest, the law enforcing officer will most likely require the DWI offender to take some form of chemical test or field sobriety test to determine the approximate Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level.

After the arresting officer puts the DWI offender in jail, the DWI offender will go through the booking process. This process includes finger printing and mug shots. She will be kept in jail until it is time for her jail release hearing, also known as bail hearing. During the bail hearing, the judge will review your daughter’s past offenses as well as past arrests and will make a decision as to how high or low the bail should be.

As for drunken driving in Palm Beach, Florida, a person who is committing this crime for the first time could be sentenced for six months along with a fine. The prison sentence and amount payable will increase based on the number of times this offense is repeated. The DWI offender’s driving license could also be suspended if she refused to undergo an alcohol test after being found guilty of a DWI felony. I would suggest consulting a Palm Beach, Florida DWI attorney to help you get out of this situation with a minimum amount of punishment.

Tags: advice, drunk driving laws, DWI lawyer