An enjoyable night out can easily turn into a nightmare if you get pulled over for drunk or impaired driving. While driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal in every state, every citizen is permitted to be represented by legal counsel once they've been arrested. Explaining your circumstances in front of a judge is inevitable. Having a qualified DWI lawyer will help you understand your rights and help ensure your case is being handled professionally. Here are some things you should be prepared for before and after your case goes to court.
Suspended Or Revoked Driver's License
Depending on what you are being charged with, if your blood alcohol content was significant, the judge may revoke your license effective immediately. If you are a repeat offender, or you have other combined charges including driving on a suspended license, you may have your license taken away completely or for an extended period of time with or without the possibility of getting it back. Your lawyer will examine your past driving and criminal history closely. He will make a plea to the judge to have your license reinstated if possible once the case is adjudicated.
Incarceration
With any drunk driving incident, you will more than likely be taken to jail. Often times, if it's your first offense, you will be released within 24 hours on a personal recognizance bond. If you are a repeat offender, your bond may be set high, and the judge will want you to remain incarcerated until your trial. An experienced lawyer will work closely with the prosecuting attorney to have you released on a lesser bond amount and other conditions so you can rest comfortably at home until your trial date rather than remain in jail.
Drug And Alcohol Rehab
Attending rehabilitation and alcohol addiction classes are generally a requirement of most DWI cases. Depending on the severity of your case, the judge could recommend that you enter treatment immediately following your sentencing. Your lawyer will recommend what is best for you and your lifestyle. This could be weekend rehabilitation or outpatient treatment therapy so you can continue to work and go to school.
Court And Probation Costs
In addition to the fees assessed by your lawyer, you will also have to pay court costs. These costs are in addition to fees for drug and alcohol testing and treatment programs. Any type of classes or equipment you need to rent in order to meet the terms of your probation can get costly. Your lawyer will ask the judge if you can set up a payment plan so that fines can be paid off gradually over time. This prevents you from going to jail for not paying your fines in full while you're on probation.
Facing the penalties for driving under the influence is steep. A qualified dwi lawyer on your side will help bring you peace of mind.
