DWI Conviction
There are two different components to a driving while intoxicated (DWI) case—the administrative license suspension and the criminal charges. If you have recently been arrested and charged with drunk driving, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to help you with both the administrative and criminal aspects of your case.The administrative license suspension is handled by civil or administrative law. In a DWI case, your driver’s license can be taken away if you fail or refuse to take a chemical test--even before you’ve been convicted of drinking and driving in a criminal court. In some states, your license can even be taken away as soon as you fail the breath, blood, or urine test.
Depending on the state, you have a limited timeframe in which to request an administrative hearing. This administrative license suspension is entirely separate from the license suspension you may receive if you are convicted in criminal court. It is important to note that, in many states, the administrative penalties for refusing to take a breath test are higher than if you took the test and failed.
Following the administrative license suspension, you will next face a criminal DWI trial. During this trial, your attorney can offer evidence that proves you were not impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, or argue that the results of your chemical tests were inaccurate.
If convicted of DWI, you may face jail time, probation, expensive fines, community service, and loss of driving privileges. Habitual offenders face even steeper penalties, and may be required to wear a SCRAM bracelet. If your DWI is classified as a felony, you may be sentenced to prison.
Having a DWI conviction on your record may lead to higher insurance premiums, if your insurance company doesn’t drop your coverage altogether. You may also have difficulty finding future employment if your potential employer requires a clean driving record or criminal background check. The only way to have a DWI conviction removed from your record is to file to have it expunged.
Hiring an experienced DWI defense attorney is a good idea if you are facing drunk-driving charges. A skilled attorney may lower your chances of a DWI conviction. Contact an attorney in your area today to discuss your case.
