Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?
DWI, or driving while impaired, is a serious charge. You may be pulled over for a traffic infraction and suddenly find yourself performing roadside field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, the police test your BAC and take you to jail. Now you are facing severe penalties if you are convicted. These penalties could cause problems for you for many years to come. You may wonder whether you can defend yourself without having to hire an attorney. Be careful here, as going it alone might put your future in jeopardy. An experienced DWI attorney will help you vigorously defend the charges and assist you in getting the best possible outcome.
DWI Charges are Serious
There is no doubt that DWI charges can be quite serious. If convicted, you will face penalties that could include fines, a jail sentence, participation in an alcohol program, community service, probation, and more. There are various levels of misdemeanor DWI based on the severity of the infraction. You could face felony DWI charges when there are special circumstances, such as if you are a habitual offender. A DWI conviction will impact many aspects of your life, so it is essential to provide a vigorous defense.
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “How can an attorney help me with my DWI?”
Does the Judge Dismiss First Offenses?
DWI charges are not normally dismissed. The judge will not automatically dismiss DWI charges just because you have not been in trouble before. The sentence for a DWI conviction is intended to deter future DWI offenses. The goal of DWI laws is to prevent people from getting behind the wheel after they have been consuming alcohol. You should always try to defend the charges as strongly as possible. A skilled DWI attorney will help protect your rights and present a defense to obtain a favorable result.
How Can I Fight DWI Charges?
There are some ways to fight DWI charges. First, you can challenge the traffic stop itself if it was not performed legally. If the stop was not made properly, it may mean that the evidence found as a result could be excluded. If the evidence against you is weak, the prosecutor may drop the charges. If the police performed a breath test, you might be able to challenge the BAC. The breathalyzer machine has to be properly maintained and calibrated, and the operator has to be adequately trained for use. If you are facing several charges, it may be possible to discuss eliminating some of them.
A DWI Attorney Can Help Your Defense
DWI charges are not generally something you can fight successfully on your own. There are many laws that pertain to DWI charges, and a knowledgeable attorney knows how to fight them and protect your rights. The sooner you obtain legal guidance, the better. Your lawyer will immediately begin to review the situation and events that led to the charges and will begin your defense strategy. Your lawyer will talk to the prosecutor to determine the options that are available to you. Remember that your attorney will work hard to get the charges dropped or minimized, and if you are found guilty, will seek to get you the lowest penalty possible.
If you or a loved one was charged with DWI, do not hesitate to get legal help. There are some ways to successfully defend DWI, depending on the circumstances. It is always better to talk to an attorney right away since there may be some things your attorney can do immediately. To learn more about fighting DWI charges, contact us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for a consultation.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? | Vaden Health Services (stanford.edu)
Image Credit:
Man with drink handing over car keys Free Photo Download | FreeImages
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArnoldSmithPLLC/videos
See Our Related Blog Posts:
What is the DWI Lookback Period in North Carolina?