Did you know that driving while impaired or intoxicated (DWI) by alcohol kills over 10,000 people in the U.S. yearly? That’s one life lost every 52 minutes.
So, it’s no wonder how strict state DWI laws are, imposing jail time and hundreds to thousands in fines. Most also add demerit points and suspend licenses for first-time offenses.
However, mistakes when fighting DWI charges can lead to even more severe penalties. Thus, if you ever face a DWI case, you must take it seriously to avoid such errors.
We’ll tell you what those blunders are and how to avoid them, so read on.
Assuming You Can’t Win Your Case
Facing a DWI charge doesn’t mean you’re already proven guilty. This is true even if you failed your breathalyzer test.
You’re innocent until prosecutors can prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
DWI lawyers can help with such charges by identifying legal flaws surrounding evidence. For example, they may spot police errors in DWI arrest details. This may include them failing to read Miranda rights or inaccurate breathalyzer tests.
Armed with that information, seasoned lawyers can get DWI charges reduced or dismissed.
Skipping the Administrative License Hearing
This is when judges decide how the accused breached the state’s driver’s license laws. If they find a defendant guilty, they can suspend, revoke, or cancel that person’s license.
At the same time, an administrative license hearing is when you can challenge a DWI charge. You must proactively request this hearing, though. If you don’t, the government will automatically enforce the applicable penalties.
Remember: An administrative license hearing is your chance to counter your DWI charge. Your success relies on cross-examining your arresting officer’s testimony. You must be able to challenge their actions and process during the stop and arrest.
Fail to do that, and you can expect your case to be a lost cause. So, please hire an experienced DWI attorney immediately after your arrest. They can expertly cross-examine and challenge the officer’s testimony with solid arguments.
Choosing a Lawyer Based on Price
Lawyers are among the most highly-paid professionals in the U.S., making over $80,000 to nearly $200,000 yearly. That should tell you how expensive their fees are and that you should prepare for the high costs of hiring one.
However, that doesn’t mean you should hire the DWI attorney with the lowest fees. A good enough reason is that lawyer fees often reflect their experience. Thus, the less they charge, the less seasoned they usually are.
If an underqualified DWI attorney represents you, you risk paying more in the long run. For instance, losing your case could lead to thousands of fines. History of impaired driving can also cause insurance premiums to rise to nearly $3,000.
Avoid These Mistakes When Fighting DWI Charges
Mistakes when fighting DWI charges are often enough for defendants to lose. You can face hefty penalties, jail time, and higher insurance premiums. You may even lose wages or your job if your work requires you to drive.
So, don’t risk your future with these blunders. Hire an experienced DWI lawyer instead. And as a final reminder, please avoid drinking if you’re going to drive.
For more driving tips, check out our guide on how to prevent traffic collisions during winter!
