Why It is Necessary to Hire a Lawyer for a DWI or DUI Case

It is imperative that those who are arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI contact an attorney immediately.  The driver faces significant penalties, even if it is their first offense, and can get the help they need to minimize the repercussions for the arrest.

Offenders

Drivers charged with a DUI or DWI face the possibility of jail time, fines, a license suspension, and other penalties. Fines can vary depending on blood alcohol content (BAC). The surcharge for every DUI or DWI conviction varies as well. The violators could face jail as well as a suspended or revoked license for up to one year.

Other Penalties to be Aware Of

Penalties imposed by a judge are not the only penalties to be aware of for those who are convicted of a DUI or DWI. When someone is convicted, they will face an increase in their car insurance costs. On top of this, they will have a criminal record, which can impact their ability to find housing or a job. Other penalties they may face include the requirement for an ignition interlock device (IID) when they are able to drive again or to have to complete a victim impact program.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Even if someone feels they were caught and there is no way to avoid a conviction, they could be wrong. There is a lot an attorney can do to help the driver minimize the impact a conviction might have on their life today and in the future

• Reduce the Charges – It may be possible to have the charges reduced to a ticket or a lessor DUI or DWI charge. This can help minimize the penalties the driver is facing and, if it is reduced to a ticket, help them avoid a criminal record and jail time.
• Reduce the Penalties – Even if the charges cannot be reduced, it may be possible to have the penalties decreased. There is a range of penalties for drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI, so the lawyer may be able to convince the judge to order the minimum for fines, jail time, and a suspended or revoked license.
• Dismiss the Charges – In some cases, it will be possible to dismiss the charges, even if the client feels it could be impossible. If the charges are dismissed, perhaps for an illegal stop or a faulty BAC test, the driver no longer must worry about a conviction or the penalties that come with it.

A DUI or DWI conviction can have a huge impact on your future and cost you thousands of dollars to handle. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI, there is no way to handle this on your own.

Without representation, you risk being convicted and given the maximum potential penalties by the judge. Instead, if you have been arrested, speak with an attorney  today. They will review your case to see what can be done to help you get a better outcome and minimize the impact on your life.