Getting stopped by the police after you consume a few drinks may result in a DWI charge. While your life may change, and you may have to deal with consequences, it is possible to move on after a DWI conviction.
An arrest may scare you, but armed with some general knowledge of the process, you can get through it with your senses and future intact.
Does an arrest lead to an automatic conviction?
Due process is a right granted by the constitution which means that everyone arrested and charged with a crime has the right to a defense. Just because the police arrested you for a DWI, a conviction is not a foregone conclusion. There are several elements of the process that may void the charge.
Do you have to take a breath test?
The police will question you before an arrest and use your answers as elements to build the case against you. You do not have to answer their questions, and you do not have to submit to roadside testing, including a breath test. Refusing a breath test may lead to a suspension of your license due to the implied consent law; however, it may save you from a DWI.
Does a BAC under .08 save you from arrest?
The legal limit by which the police base an arrest is a BAC of .08 or more. However, this does not stop the police from placing you under arrest even if your BAC is lower. The police only need to show that you pose a threat to the public, and if your driving does that, you may face charges.
You can continue your life even if you face a DWI conviction. While some things may change for a time, it does not need to remain with you forever.