There was once a time when a charge of DWI or driving whilst intoxicated was merely a minor traffic offense. These days though such cases are high profile and are taken far more seriously by prosecutors. The penalties for being convicted range from fines to mandatory jail terms, and even if you are not convicted, you still face a suspended driving license and possible increased insurance costs. For these reasons hiring a competent DWI lawyer is important and you should start looking for one as soon as you have been charged with the offense.
Many lawyers will take on DWI cases, however not just any lawyer will suffice in these cases and you should look for a DWI lawyer who specializes in these cases. Hiring just any lawyer could be a big mistake as most will simply take your money and tell you to plead guilty. This is because DWI cases rely on complex medical and scientific tests to prove guilt and only an experienced, qualified DWI lawyer can interpret this evidence and present a defense against it.
You do of course have the right to defend yourself, but this too is ill advised unless you have comprehensive legal knowledge in DWI cases. Most prosecutors and legal personnel refuse to deal with defendants who represent themselves and the judge presiding over your case may appoint legal counsel to you if they feel you cannot adequately defend yourself in court.
Hiring a lawyer will give you the best chance of obtaining a lesser penalty or even of being acquitted of all charges, particularly if your lawyer can prove the evidence against you was not properly obtained and should be deemed inadmissible in court. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be far reaching and can last much longer than merely the court case. You may find your insurance premiums go up or you may even be refused insurance, you may loose your job or find it difficult to get one because of the conviction and you must also prove to the state motor department that you are fit to hold a driving license before you can get it back.
If you have previous convictions for DWI or DUI then the penalties will be more severe and if you caused serious injury, damage or even death as a result of your actions then your case may be upgraded to a felony, carrying a lengthy jail term. In these cases hiring a DWI lawyer is even more important if you are to stand any chance of defending your case.
When you begin looking for a lawyer you should remember that you need to hire someone who practices within the state in which the offense occurred and in which your case will be heard, even if this is not the state in which you usually reside. This is because only they will have the applicable knowledge of state law and procedures with regards to DWI cases, as every state makes their own laws and legislation within their jurisdiction.