OWI – It Is A Serious Offense

OWI is the acronym that some states are using to describe the process of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  In many parts of the country, this is known as DUI, or driving under the influence.  However, OWI is an acronym that has farther reaching implications.  OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated, covers a larger range of vehicles including heavy machinery, tractors and other motorized vehicles.  It is commonly used in Indiana and Ohio.

As mentioned previously, most states have adopted the acronym DUI, or driving under the influence.  Having a universally recognized acronym for the offense of operating a passenger vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol means that most people have a better definition of type of behavior constitutes a crime as well as what the penalties are for committing that crime.

It Is a Serious Offense

The acronym doesn’t necessarily matter.  Whether you are arrested for OWI, DUI, DWI or other impaired driving offense, it is important to understand the severity of the crime you have been charged with.  In most cases, even first time OWI offenders will have to see a judge, will have to pay a fine and may even spend some time in jail.  And you don’t even have to be convicted of the crime.  Even those who accept a plea deal will have to comply with some pretty hefty fines and penalties, although their driving records may be wiped clean of the offense.

Multiple offenses carry a progressive correction structure, meaning that the second offense will carry stiffer penalties than the first and the third arrest will have more serious consequence than the first two.

Many courts also now mandate the loss of driving privileges even on the first conviction.  This means that not only are their harsh financial penalties associated with being convicted of an OWI, you may also face serious problems even just getting back and forth to work, to the grocery store or even taking the children to school.  States are becoming much less tolerant with drivers who choose to drink or do drugs and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Take, for example, small business owners.  Small business owners who have been arrested for OWI face the possibility of losing credibility with their clients and the potential loss of business.  You can learn more about arrest records for small business owners here: http://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Indiana/Whitley-County-IN/Marchelle-Marie-Lamaster.66801980.html.  You can also find out more about this situation here: http://marchellelamaster.com/

OWI is the end result of a poor choice.  Not only does it jeopardize your own life and livelihood, but can jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of the other people who share the road with you.  Think twice before taking a drink and deciding to drive yourself home.