If you are a resident of Iowa, you may have heard of OWI or operating a vehicle while intoxicated. What does this mean? In the state of Iowa, you can be arrested for OWI in one of two circumstances. Like in all states, in Iowa, a blood alcohol content level of .08% or greater warrants an arrest and possible conviction for OWI. Moreover, evidence/s of impairment like swerving, physical appearance, or slurred speech can be enough reason for an OWI offense. Also, physical contact on a running engine such as sitting in the driver’s seat while under alcohol intoxication is another ground for the arrest.
OWI Arrests in Iowa
Alcohol consumption cuts your night vision in half and reduces your peripheral vision by up to one-third. Upon arrest, the officer will seize your license for a one-year period if you refuse to take the BAC test. This is why you have to immediately consult an OWI lawyer before making decisions that can only aggravate your case.
There will be two legal proceedings initiated once you are arrested for OWI in Iowa. One is of a criminal nature that will be prosecuted through the Iowa court system. The proceeding will determine your potential fines, possible vehicular impoundment, and mandatory jail time, among many others. If this is your first OWI offense and no one was injured in the event of your impaired driving and that your BAC was below .15%, you may appeal to defer the OWI conviction against you. Furthermore, if you want to uphold your right to drive, you need to request a hearing with the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
According to Iowa law, first time offenders can expect to pay the following consequences:
The record washout period for Iowa OWI offenses is 12 years. If you will be arrested for repeat offenses within the 12-year period of your first OWI case, you are deemed to face tougher consequences for it.
License Suspensions for Iowa OWI
Make no mistake about it: your Iowa OWI case can defer your driving privileges having your license suspended in the following manner:
First time offenders can apply for a temporary license while serving the license suspension. When you apply for a restricted license, if your BAC level is .10% or greater, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can use it again. The same thing applies if you injured someone while you were driving under the influence.
Insurance Consequences
In addition to losing your driving privileges, serving jail time, and paying hefty court fines, you will also have to deal with a tough battle with your insurance company. Your insurance carrier may either cancel your policy, or you will have to pay higher rates to uphold your existing coverage. If your coverage is canceled, you will indeed find it more challenging to look for a new carrier in order to get your license back.