Walk It Through: The Console
A first OWI at up to 93 days, more at 0.17, and marijuana that is lawful at 21 but never behind the wheel.
Driving home after a party, a driver is pulled over and the officer smells alcohol.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One stop and one bag. License sanctions, a driver under 21, and repeat convictions are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Passenger areaThe area designed to seat the driver and passengers while the vehicle is in operation, and any area readily reachable from a seat, the glove compartment included.
- Any bodily alcohol contentFor a minor under the liquor code, 0.02 or more, or any presence of alcohol from drinking outside a religious service or ceremony.
- High BACAn alcohol content of 0.17 or more, the higher tier of the OWI section. A first conviction carries 1 or more of up to 180 days, a fine of $200 to $700, and up to 360 hours of community service.
- Operating while intoxicatedOperating a vehicle on a highway or any place open to the public or generally accessible to vehicles, parking areas included, while under the influence, or with an alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of blood, per 210 liters of breath, or per 67 milliliters of urine.
- Operating while visibly impairedOperating a vehicle when the ability to operate is visibly impaired by alcohol or another substance.