Long Island residents make up about 40% of the total population of the entire state of New York, and most of us depend on our vehicles to get us to and from our destinations. However, it’s easy to make mistakes and one of the biggest that you can make is to find yourself facing a DWI charge. These are serious charges, and here at the Law Office of Naiburg, Obedin, and Weissman we feel that knowing all you can about the charge is important for anyone facing it.
DWI stands for Driving While Impaired, and it’s most commonly associated with drunk driving though it could extend to driving while under the influence of drugs as well. No matter the specifics, it can lead to some very major consequences including:
- A fine of up to 1,000 dollars, one year in jail, and a six month suspension of your license for the first offense.
- Subsequent charges can lead to as much as 7 years in jail and even heavier fines.
The vast majority of DWI charges will actually end with the offender pleading guilty. This is largely due to the fact that successfully defending a DWI charge is very difficult to do. However, it’s not impossible, and a good attorney could help you in numerous ways and may even be able to get charges dropped.
If a defense isn’t possible, your lawyer can often help you get a better outcome in terms of your final sentencing. Most notably, they can usually help you receive things like a lower fine or a provisional license that will allow you to drive to and from work or during certain hours of the day.
DWI is a serious charge, with serious consequences. As a result, it’s important that you take it seriously. It’s always a good idea to start by talking to an attorney to find out more about your rights and your situation. No two cases are identical, and you won’t know what kind of options for defense you have until you speak to a professional.
We’re here to help. To set up a free case evaluation and initial consultation, contact our law offices today. We’ll work to determine what steps you can take and what options you might have for your defense. There are no guarantees, but the best thing for anyone facing a DWI charge is to get professional legal advice before they do anything else.