More than 7.6 million people live on Long Island, and from time to time there is no way to escape the fact that some of them make mistakes. When those mistakes involve drinking and driving, it’s likely that a DWI charge will be faced.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of facing a DWI charge, it’s important that you take the time to understand more about them and what they will mean for your future. Essentially, a DWI is given to those who fail a field sobriety and/or breathalyzer test. It’s a serious charge, and one that is commonly settled through a plea agreement. Here are the potential consequences that can come from a DWI.
- A jail sentence of up to 7 years
- Heavy financial fines and penalties, often in the thousands of dollars
- Loss of a driver’s license
- High automobile insurance rates
- Required completion of community service
- Required completion of alcohol safety courses or similar programs
In short, a DWI can have a huge impact on your life. And when you factor in the fact that it can impact your ability to find employment since it will be a part of your criminal record, it becomes clear that you need to do what you can to fight a charge.
It’s not always easy, and as mentioned above most DWIs will never go to trial since the evidence against the suspect is always so strong. A not guilty verdict is incredibly rare, and it’s much more common for charges to be dropped due to things like police misconduct, improperly calibrated breathalyzer equipment, and other issues.
Of course, proving that those factors exist isn’t easy, either. That’s why instead of simply pleading guilty you should consider finding a good criminal defense attorney in Long Island. A good lawyer will explain your situation, review your case, and help make a determination as to what kind of outcome you can expect.
If you’re facing a DWI and aren’t sure what to do next, we can help. Contact us for a case evaluation and to find out more about your options and what steps you can take. There’s no way to know for sure how your case will turn out, and DWI charges can be difficult to beat, but your best chance is always going to be with a skilled attorney fighting on your side for you.