With more than 7.5 million people living in Long Island, there are plenty of mistakes being made. One mistake that’s common, but very serious, is that of a drunk driving charge. Driving While Intoxicated – or DWI for short – is one of the most serious charges you can face, and will lead to some very real consequences for you.
But there are plenty of misconceptions about DWI charges and what they mean. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at some of the basics involved in a DWI.
- First, it’s worth understanding what a DWI can lead to. In most cases it will lead to a hefty fine and a loss of your license for a period of time. The incident will also be on your criminal record for some time and could influence your ability to find employment, heavily increased automobile insurance rates, or create other issues. However, in some cases you could face up to 7 years in jail and even heavier fines, usually due to repeat offenses.
- Most DWI charges are settled with a plea arrangement. This occurs when the accused enters a guilty plea in exchange for a reduced sentence. In most cases, DWI charges are very difficult to defend due to overwhelming evidence. But there are some instances where cases can be thrown out due to various things. As a result, getting professional advice is a good idea.
- That professional advice should come from an attorney. A good DWI lawyer can help you figure out what kind of options you have. They’ll explain to you whether or not you should plead guilty, help identify whether or not you might be able to have the case thrown out, and more. As a result, they should be someone you talk to immediately after being charged with this crime.
- As with any other crime, speaking to the officials before talking to an attorney is a bad idea as well. Talking to police, insurance companies, or the courts can help them build a case against you and as a result you need to wait and talk to a professional.
Here at the law offices of Naiburg, Obedin, and Weissman, we’re experienced in defending clients against DWI charges. We understand that these charges can influence your life in huge ways, and as a result we work hard to help. Contact us today to find out more about your rights and your options.