When you’re facing a DWI charge, it’s important to have a qualified attorney representing you. Whether you’re a first-time offender or a repeat offender, a qualified DWI lawyer will be able to help you get the most favorable outcome.
If you’re facing a first-time offense
If you are facing a first-time offense of driving under the influence of alcohol, you need to know your rights. Get a dwi lawyer can help you develop the best defense strategy to minimize the consequences of your charge.
A first-time DUI conviction can cause a variety of long-term effects. It may affect your job, insurance rates, and career options. It can also put a permanent stain on your driving record. However, it is possible to get this charge dropped.
First-time offenders have the option of pleading guilty to a misdemeanor or felony. The punishment varies depending on the blood alcohol content (BAC) and the age of the driver.
In some cases, a first-time offender may not have to disclose the charges to his employer. Nonetheless, he may be required to complete drug and alcohol classes.
The fine for a first-time DUI can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. There are also court costs and other fees.
If you’re facing a third-time offense
If you have been arrested for a third DUI, you should contact a lawyer. The charges are serious, and a conviction can have a large impact on your life. There are numerous penalties, including fines and incarceration. However, you can avoid these penalties if you consult with an attorney early in the case.
A DUI defense lawyer will know how to use the law to your advantage, and how to reduce the severity of the punishment you receive. This can include getting your DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, or perhaps negotiating a plea deal.
Third-time DUIs carry a higher risk of jail time and higher fines, so you’ll want to get a DUI lawyer to help you navigate your case. Your attorney can also help you avoid having your driving privileges suspended.
Your attorney will also be able to point out the most important facts about your arrest. For example, you may be eligible for a deferred prosecution, which means your case can be adjudicated based on the facts presented to the court.
If you’re facing a felony offense
Felony DWI is an extremely serious offense. It can lead to fines, license suspension, and even time in state prison. This is why it is important to hire a good DWI attorney.
Depending on the nature of your offense, you could end up paying a small fortune in fines and penalties. The court may suspend your driver’s license for a period of up to two years, but this is only if you are found guilty. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a conditional driver’s license, but you might not be able to drive during the probationary period.
Felony DWI can also result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you have been convicted of driving while intoxicated and you have a child in the car, you might be subject to the draconian punishment of having your child taken from you.
You will need a savvy defense lawyer to get your charges downgraded or completely dismissed. For instance, you might be able to restore your driving privileges if you take a class in driving under the influence. Or, you might be able to use your defenses to get a jury to question your guilt.
Typically, there are many different defenses that can be used in a DWI case. Some of the most common defenses include:
- Illegal Stop: The police officer may not have had probable cause to stop you in the first place. If the stop was illegal, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop, such as a breathalyzer test, may be suppressed.
- Involuntary Intoxication: You may have been involuntarily intoxicated, such as if someone spiked your drink without your knowledge.
- Miranda Violation: The police may not have read you your Miranda rights before questioning you. If they didn’t, any statements you made to them may be suppressed.
- Field Sobriety And Breathalyzer Tests: These tests aren’t always accurate, and the results can be challenged in court.
- No Evidence of Driving: If you weren’t actually driving the car, you can’t be convicted of DWI.
- Necessity: If you were driving under the influence because you had to take someone to the hospital, this may be considered a defense of necessity.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the most common DWI defenses. The specific defenses that will be available to you will depend on the specific facts of your case. Therefore, if you’ve been arrested for DWI, it’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. This way, you can have higher chances of getting a DWI dismissed.
If you’re not sure whether to hire a lawyer or a public attorney
If you’re charged with DUI, you may be wondering whether to hire a public defender or a private attorney. You may also be unsure about the qualifications of either type of attorney. These are important factors to consider before making your decision.
Whether you choose to represent yourself or hire an attorney, you will be better off if you seek legal counsel from an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. This will give you a greater chance of having your case dismissed, negotiated, or reduced in other ways.
If you’re convicted of DWI, you will face the possibility of a suspended license, jail time, a fine, and other consequences. Depending on the details of your situation, these consequences can be severe.
Regardless of the outcome of your case, you will likely lose a number of opportunities and experiences. For instance, a conviction for DWI could mean a suspension of your driving privileges for a long period of time, and you could be denied access to professional licensing such as physicians or lawyers. Moreover, your insurance rates will likely increase for a long period of time after the conviction.
