Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal. And if you’re charged with a DWI, you will have to face the criminal court and could be subject to hefty fines or jail time.
In such cases, it will surely be in your best interest to get yourself represented by a reliable DWI attorney.
That said, here’s why you might need a DWI attorney:
Avoid License Cancellation
When you’re arrested for a DWI, your driver’s license will be immediately canceled until further notice. This means that you will not be allowed to drive a vehicle for an extended period.
However, if you hire a lawyer to represent you in court, you will have a better chance of having your charges reduced and your license back when the court proceedings are over.
On the other hand, if you decide not to hire a lawyer, you can end up losing your license up to a year—depending on the court’s decision. In addition, repeated DWI apprehension can also lengthen your license cancellation. In such cases, this will surely have a significant impact on your social life, family, and work.
Avoid Having an Ignition Interlock Device
If the court in Watertown decided that you’re guilty, you would be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device will require you to test your blood alcohol concentration each time you get in your car, as the ignition interlock device will prevent your engine from starting until a valid breath sample is provided.
This device can be required for a year or more after the court’s decision. Such devices can cause anxiety and embarrassment for drivers and passengers alike. In addition, you will also be responsible for the purchase and installation costs of the equipment.
Having an expert lawyer to defend you in a Watertown court can have a significant impact on the judge’s decision, such as waiving the ignition interlock.
Avoid Costly Insurance Premiums
Being charged with a DWI can dramatically increase your insurance premiums, and will be mandatory for three years or more after a DWI charge.
Having a high-risk insurance premium for an extended period will surely have a negative impact on your financial situation. Depending on the conditions and terms of the court in Watertown, you are also at risk of completely losing your insurance.
A reliable attorney will help you avoid such premiums by negotiating lesser charges and by navigating through insurance options. This means that you’ll likely keep your insurance and remain an eligible driver.
Avoid Probation
If you’ve been found guilty in a criminal case, such as DWI, you will be obligated to report for probation that can last from one year up to three years. Probation is not only embarrassing and expensive, but it can also interrupt your schedule.
A DWI lawyer can negotiate the terms to shorten your probation period. In addition, your attorney may also reduce your charges to keep probation out of the decision. This will allow you to avoid the hassles of probation reporting, enabling you to use your valuable time elsewhere.
Avoid Random Urinalysis Testing
When things don’t work out well, and you end up serving probation, this can be burdensome and expensive. In DWI probation, you will be required to report once a day to a testing facility for a urinalysis test. Failing to report to your daily test will affect your probation and can land you in jail.
Such requirements can sometimes be challenging to comply with if you have a busy work schedule. And with your license canceled until further notice, you’ll have to use public transportation or ask someone to drive you. This can be a big hassle not only for you, but also for your family and friends.
A great lawyer may be able to cancel or at least reduce such penalties for you to maintain your normal life and avoid expensive testing fees. Remember that without a lawyer, the likelihood of getting a judge to reject this requirement is very low.
Closing Thoughts
DWI is a serious offense in Watertown that should be handled properly, as having the court’s decision against you can negatively affect your life for years to come. Thus, it should always be in your best interest to have someone competent to represent you in front of the court. Remember that paying an attorney to help you with your case is always better than paying the fines and fees of a poorly handled DWI case.