With more than 40% of the population of New York all living on Long Island, it’s a heavily populated place. And with so many people in one spot, it’s not that much of a surprise that some of them will end up being charged with a crime during their life. While a DWI may sound like a relatively minor offense, the reality is that it’s one of the most serious charges you can face. Here at the Law Office of Naiburg, Obedin, and Weissman, we think it’s important that you understand just how much of an impact a DWI can have on your life and what you should do if charged with one.
First, it’s worth understanding the repercussions. A DWI can lead to jail sentences of as much as 7 years in cases where previous offenses exist, heavy financial fines, and more. And if you damaged property or injured someone while driving under the influence, charges can be even more severe and lead to even larger penalties. Additionally, you could lose your driver’s license and end up with a blemish on your criminal history that will stay there for good.
In other words, a DWI charge can really impact your life in a big way. Because of this, it’s important to know what you should do after you’ve been charged. Here are some tips:
- Don’t say anything without representation. Everything you say could be used by the courts to build a case against you, so exercising your right to silence is a good idea.
- Don’t automatically assume that pleading guilty is the best call. Yes, most DWI cases end in a plea, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best path for you. Only a good lawyer can help you determine whether or not a plea agreement is the right option to take.
- Get an attorney. If you’ve noticed something in the points above, they both mention that you need a lawyer. A good DWI lawyer can have a tremendous impact on the way your case is handled and on its outcome. No two cases are identical, but a lawyer will be able to help you far more than you might think.
If you’re facing a DWI, contact us today to set up a legal consultation and case evaluation. We have more than 70 years combined experience in defending the accused, and can help you as well.