If charged with a DWI, you could find yourself facing prison time along with financial penalties. You’ll also find yourself without a license and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded at your expense. If you feel that you were wrongfully arrested and the charge is unwarranted, you can fight it. The main way to successfully fight a DWI is to hire a group of defense lawyers like the Houston DWI lawyers to defend your case. Below you’ll find current information about how to fight a DWI.
What is a DWI
Simply put, a DWI stands for driving while intoxicated and it is considered a crime. Why is it considered a crime? Because under the law, anyone who is driving while impaired by either alcohol or drugs (including those prescribed by a doctor) is considered to be driving under the influence, therefore knowingly putting themselves and others in danger. You’ve probably have also heard the term DUI, which stands for driving under the influence. These terms apply to both recreational drivers and those driving commercial vehicles for work. Also, it is important to note that if you’re driving with a child in the car, you’re much more likely to be charged.
Potential penalties from a DWI
There are several different penalties that can arise due to a DWI charge that can have a negative impact on your life. Some of these include:
- Jail time– Though you may find yourself in jail for a night or two due to the DWI arrest, you could also face additional jail time after the conviction.
- Fines– Though fines do vary from state to state, you can expect these to be high, with some totaling thousands of dollars once all the fees, fines and surcharges are combined.
- Losing your driving privileges– You may find your driving license either suspended or revoked.
- Substance abuse education classes and/or treatment– Some people will find that the courts order a string of classes to attend that are geared toward helping one prevent another case of driving while intoxicated.
Common ways to fight a DWI
Once you’ve hired your lawyer or team of lawyers, the next step is to put together a plan to flight your DWI case. Since your lawyer is specially trained to flight such charges, they’ll lead the way and help you to better understand your options. Some of the more common ways to flight a DWI charge include:
- Disputing the legality of a DUI or DWI checkpoint
- Questioning the sobriety tests used against you
- Challenging the suspicion that you were indeed driving under the influence
- Challenging the results from the breath test
- Challenging the results from the blood test (if used)
- Showing the failure to issue an implied consent warning
- Citing racial profiling or any other similar misconduct
- Proving an officer’s failure to read your Miranda Rights
- Disputing that the DWI checkpoint arrest was legal
Generally speaking, when a person is charged with either a DWI or a DUI, especially if it leads to a car accident, it is a rightfully imposed charge. With that said, there are several cases when the charge is unwarranted. When this happens, the first step to fighting for your freedom is to hire a proven team of defense attorneys that will work in your corner to drop the charge or at least lessen the consequences of that charge. With a team behind you, you’ll feel much more comfortable and secure as you fight a DWI charge.