Suffolk County is a huge part of New York City’s population. More than 7.5 million people live on Long Island, and among them are plenty who make mistakes from time to time. One mistake that could occur is that of drunk driving. Facing a DWI is something that can have a big impact on your life and your future, and as a result it’s important that you take the time to understand more about what happens after you are charged.
To get the best understanding, here’s a rundown of how the process will work. First, you’ll most likely be arrested and held in jail. Your vehicle will usually be towed and impounded. As a result, you’ll need to take steps to get yourself out of jail and get your vehicle back. Securing bail will help you get released, and paying an impound fee will help get your vehicle back to you.
From here, most people end up playing the waiting game. However, it’s vital that you understand something – don’t talk to anyone who isn’t your attorney. Making a statement to a police officer, an opposing lawyer, or an insurance company could hinder your case in a big way. Stay quiet to ensure you don’t say something you’ll regret.
Finding a good lawyer is a must as well. Your attorney will help you explain what charges you’re facing, what your possible outcomes are, and what the best options available to you will be. Your attorney will be your guide, and they’ll help get you the best outcome for your case while also helping keep your stress level as low as possible during this difficult period.
The next step for most will be setting up a plea agreement. The vast majority of DWIs end with a guilty plea. This helps you get a lower sentence – usually a fine and loss of your license. But there are actually some cases that lead to a case being dismissed entirely, thus exonerating you and keeping your record clean. Examples of what can lead to this include things like an improperly administered breathalyzer.
Your attorney will be the only one who can help you determine how best to proceed with your case. If you’re one of the many who will face a DWI charge this year, you owe it to yourself to talk to a legal professional as soon as you can to get the kind of help you need.