Driving while intoxicated has been one of the most serious traffic offenses one can face for decades, and it’s also one of the most serious criminal charges that you could face as well. Long Island is the most densely populated island in the country, and out of the millions who live here many rely on their vehicle to get them to and from their destinations. When facing a DWI, it is easy to feel like you have no options at all. However, while they’re limited, you do have some options available.
The first is the most common path those charged with this offense choose to take – a guilty plea. The reason is obvious – thanks to the nature of the crime and the large amount of evidence usually gathered during an arrest, it can seem almost impossible to get out of the charges. Taking a lesser sentence by accepting a plea deal is usually preferred.
But there’s another option, and that’s to defend against the charges. This isn’t something you should attempt on your own – the process can be complex and difficult. But a good attorney can review your specific case and help determine whether or not you have the possibility of defending successfully.
Usually, this isn’t done through actually getting a not guilty verdict but instead on having charges dismissed or dropped. Potential grounds for this include:
- Improperly maintained or calibrated equipment
- Illegal stop
- Failure to explain your rights to you by the officer
- Profiling
- Other police misconduct
Simply put, you have a number of rights that have to be upheld during your arrest. And if any protocols are done incorrectly, there’s a chance that your charges could be thrown out of court completely. When you consider that a DWI can have long-lasting consequences in your life including jail time, loss of your license, and a criminal record that will make it harder to get employed, it becomes clear that you need to weigh all of your options before making a decision.
Contacting a good attorney is the first step you need to take, and something that can help you determine what path to pursue. They’ll talk to you about your situation, your rights, and what they think the best course of action is. There’s a chance you might have more options than you realize when facing a DWI charge.