Does a DWI Charge Ruin Your Life?

Facing a DWI Charge? Don't panic.
Photo by CC user 33129669@N05 on Flickr

You had a great night out with friends.

Unfortunately, that night went south when you were pulled over on your way home. As a result, you are now looking at a DWI charge, a charge that could have serious repercussions on a number of fronts.

With that being the case, what will you do in order to try and keep your record clean, not to mention avoid possible jail time and a stiff financial penalty?

Finding the right legal assistance is your first and foremost task when faced with a DWI.

So, will you do all you can not to let a DWI charge ruin your life?

Which Lawyer is Best for You?

So that you have the best chance possible to avoid having a DWI on your record, a large financial fine, and of course time behind bars, make sure you keep these pointers in mind:

  • Finding the right lawyer – Given the countless number of lawyers out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Whether you live in the Houston area and choose someone such as Scheiner Law or one closer to your home, do your research. While many law firms have their clients best interests at hand, you want to know that for a fact before you head to court. Check to see how long the firm has been around, what their success to failure ratio is in obtaining a winning verdict for their clients, if they collect money even if they fail to gain a not guilty verdict, and what the legal trends are as they pertain to DWI’s in your jurisdiction. Once you feel like you have the right legal representation behind you, it is time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and get to work on securing a not guilty verdict.
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  • Making your case – While it falls in the hands of your criminal defense lawyer to get a DWI charge removed from your record; your cooperation is of the utmost importance in increasing the odds of doing just that. He or she will want to know each and every detail involving your encounter with law enforcement. Did the police read you your rights at the time of your arrest? Did they properly administer any and all tests at the scene or at the police station (one area of contention can be that the testing methods were done improperly and/or contaminated)? Were you physically abused at any point and time during the arrest and/or while in police custody? Lastly, do local authorities have a history of coercing DWI admissions out of individuals?
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  • Court appearance – In the event your DWI charge is not dismissed and does end up going to court, your appearance there could make or break the case in your favor or against it. In order for things to have a better chance of breaking your way, make sure you show up in court as professional as possible. Yes, you’re not happy you got pulled over and arrested, but that is in the past at this point and time. The goal here is to either get the case thrown out altogether or work a plea deal with the prosecution (perhaps before you even have to step foot inside the courtroom). When in court, maintain your composure at all times. Any outbursts from you and a judge could easily be swayed into thinking the evidence and your actions inside court warrant a guilty verdict. Also make sure to state your side of events as clearly as you can remember them from the day of the incident. Keep in mind; most police officers are out there simply doing their jobs. If they noticed someone driving erratically and/or pulled them over and suspected a DWI, not doing anything would make them void of their responsibilities in wearing a badge. If the verdict does go against you, learn from it and vow to never let something like that happen again in your lifetime.

Facing a DWI charge is certainly not something to take lightly.

When all is said and done, a conviction can end up having negative consequences in your life for many years to come.

Finding the right legal representation can go a long way in not letting a serious charge ruin your life.