If you’re arrested for drunk driving and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), remember that it’s only going to get more stressful and costly from here on out.
To mitigate the damage you have done, here are the four things that you need to do when you’re charged with DWI in Watertown.
- Cooperate with the police officer
Once you get pulled over by a police officer for being suspected of a DWI, you need to cooperate with his orders as much as possible. Even when you’re very drunk, try to go along with his requests. Under no circumstances should ever argue with the officer.
The officer will then determine whether you should be charged with a DWI. There are different kinds of field sobriety tests, but the officer will probably measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) with the use of a breathalyzer. The universal standard is that a BAC of 0.08 or higher means that you’re legally intoxicated.
If you fail the sobriety tests, the officer will arrest you and bring you to the police station. Your car will be left at the scene and most likely get towed at your expense. Once you arrive at the police station, your case will get processed.
- Find a good DWI lawyer
You’ll be given an opportunity to choose your own attorney or use the one appointed by the court. Hiring a good DWI lawyer offers numerous benefits. Capable and experienced lawyers like The DWI Guys will ensure that your interests are protected and will help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Some of the top benefits of hiring a skilled DWI lawyer are the following:
- Many people are actually able to get their cases dismissed or be acquitted despite the popular belief that DWI defendants are always found guilty. Statistics show that hiring a DWI lawyer increases your chances of getting an acquittal or a dismissal.
- Even when you plead guilty to the DWI charge, having a lawyer to represent you increases the likelihood that you’ll obtain a lighter sentence or, at least, the suspension period of your license is reduced.
- DWI as an area of law has become more complex these days because of the controversies surrounding the accuracy of breath analyzers, blood tests, and drug testing for DWI defendants. A DWI lawyer can easily navigate these intricacies and use them to fight for your interest.
One important thing to keep in mind is that not all DWI lawyers have the same set of skills and experience. You need to choose one that has the right credentials and will meet your requirements for your case.
- Expect to pay a considerable amount of money
The whole process of fighting a DWI or DUI charge can get very expensive. Even when you’re not formally convicted, there are so many things you need to pay for. Some of the expenses involved in a DWI charge are the following:
- A bond to get released by the court
- Another bond to get your car back
- Towing fees
- Fines imposed by the court
- Cost of DWI school
- Assessment cost to determine if you have a drinking problem
- Rehabilitation expenses if it’s determined that you do have a problem
- Eventually, higher insurance premiums for having a DWI record
On top of everything else, you have to think about the lawyer’s fees if you decide to go ahead and hire one. Most lawyers will require a down payment once they accept your case. The total amount will depend on the capabilities and experience of your lawyer as well as the length of time it’ll take to resolve your case.
- Be prepared to get your driving privileges restricted
One of the most significant consequences of getting convicted for DWI is the loss or limitation of your driving privileges. Here are some of the possible scenarios:
- If you refuse to take a BAC test, you’ll most likely get your license suspended. The length of suspension will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
- The officer who pulls you over for drunk driving may confiscate your license upon your arrest. You’ll need to get a temporary driver’s license while the trial is not yet concluded.
- If you’re convicted of DWI, you may either get your license suspended, restricted, or revoked depending on the nature of your offense and the ruling of the judge.
- You may be required to comply with certain specifications such as installing an interlock system on your car’s ignition.
Conclusion
The most important thing that you need to do when you get charged with DWI is not to panic. Resisting arrest or refusing legal assistance out of sheer arrogance can only lead to adverse effects on your case. Keep a calm head and do your research so that you can successfully obtain the outcome you want.
