Being charged with a DWI could be a life-changing event, especially if you aren’t prepared for the process to come. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the charge, it could result in jail time or a hefty fine. From hiring a DWI attorney in Houston to posting bail, if this is your first time being charged with driving while intoxicated, here’s a quick glance of what lies ahead of you. The Initial Traffic Stop Usually, if you have been cited with DWI, the officer has a good reason for pulling you over. Whether you were driving erratically or speeding, the officer most likely noticed that you had been drinking. From there, you were either issued a breath, urine, or field test to determine your sobriety. If you tried to resist these tests, you may be facing an additional fine. Once your blood alcohol level was determined to be too high, you were probably then cited with the DWI. The Arrest Once you’ve been charged with a DWI, don’t expect to drive away. You’ll be arrested and taken to a holding cell. In most cases, bail will need to be posted in order for you to be released. You’ll have the opportunity to call friends or family members if needed so you can post the amount requested. Bail is an incentive for you to show up to the court date given to you at this time. Hiring an Attorney After your arrest, you need to contact a DWI attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers specifically handle these types of offenses. Because of this, they know the laws regarding DWIs in your area and are familiar with the court system. This gives you a better chance of fighting the charges. It also ensures that all paperwork is filed correctly. Hire an attorney who will make your case a priority and help you to understand the process. Your attorney will review the facts of the case. By reading over the reports of the arrest and your sobriety tests, they are able to form a strategy to achieve a favorable outcome for you. Going to Court Once your day in court arrives, you and your attorney will stand before a judge. Your attorney should do most of the talking. If you are found not guilty of the DWI charge, no penalty will be given. If you are found guilty, though, you could be facing a hefty fine. Along with fines, those convicted of a DWI also face jail time, community service, parole, having their driver’s license revoked, or participation in a drunk driving education program. Depending on the severity of your case, you could be sentenced to one or numerous punishments. With so much to know regarding the law, there is no reason to face your DWI charge alone. As soon as you have been arrested, it’s time to start preparing for your time in court. Hire a DWI attorney in Houston who is experienced with cases like yours. With their legal knowledge on your side, you have the best chance of reaching a favorable outcome.
Related Articles -
DWI, attorney, Houston,
|