Driving a vehicle while intoxicated is a crime in every state. Even driving under the effects of prescription medicines is also prohibited and punishable. Depending on the state where the crime has taken place, the offense is referred to as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving under the Influence (DUI) or other similar terms. Even if an impairment is evidenced by Blood-Alcohol Concentration, an experienced DW lawyer will successfully get you out of the problem by having the charge reduced or the case dismissed.
A good DWI attorney in Rochester, MN will make an effort to negotiate for reduced sentences and alcohol or drug rehabilitation programs.
If a DWI allegation against you is proved, you will face some sort of sentence (for example, community service, penalty or even punishment) and depending on the severity or whether it is a first-time offense, it is likely that your driving license will be revoked or temporarily suspended. Regardless of severity involved in your case, a good DWI attorney can help you get your driving license back on the condition of using an IDD (Ignition Interlock Device) or the criminal court’s permission to allow you to drive to and from your office.
Important DWI-Related Terms
DWI Checkpoints: Roadblocks, usually anchored along bus roadways by police during alcohol-related events (For example, New Year Celebration) to check motorists randomly for impairment.
Drug Recognition Experts: Specially trained officers to decide the drug impairment in a DWI suspect.
Blood-Alcohol Concentration: The BAC test is carried out to determine the level of alcohol impairment in a suspected DWI motorist.
Implied Consent: In every state across the USA, the motorists give consent to BAC test at a police stop on the condition of obtaining a driver’s license. If any motorist fails to give consent to a BAC test, it results in breach of the agreement and getting the driving license suspended.
When a DWI Attorney’s Help Might Be Necessary
Impaired or drunk driving is not a petty crime. In fact, so serious is the issue that only the criminal courts deal with DWI cases. DWI driving may cause serious harm to other motorists and even the offender. The stakes involved in a DWI case is pretty high. The DWI convicts lose their driving privileges due to temporary license suspension.
If the charge is proved, the wrongdoer is obliged to pay a hefty fine and depending on the severity of the offense and in case of repeated offense, the convict may have to serve jail sentence. Even if your DWI attorney fails to get the charge against you dismissed, the professional will still be able to whittle down the sentence or ensure a softer landing for his/her client.
Legal representation in DWI cases comes at a cost. However, the high fee of an experienced DWI attorney is worth his/her expertise, professionalism, commitment and hard worth that the professional explores to save the client from harsh punishment and/or a heavy fine.
Summing Up
There are some DWI incidents where you might not need the help of an attorney. But most cases require you to consult a lawyer for legal assistance. A DWI lawyer is the best person to represent you in the court and negotiate for a lesser sentence.