| If you've been charged with DWI, DUI, OUI, or any | | | | your dignity. |
| other charges pertaining to driving while under the | | | | Other Reasons to Contact an Attorney |
| influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal | | | | If you caused an accident while driving under the |
| substances, there are many penalties you could face | | | | influence of alcohol or illegal substances, you could |
| including jail time and heavy fines. Hiring a DWI defense | | | | face both a civil and a criminal suit. Depending on the |
| attorney as soon as possible is the best way to help | | | | severity of the accident, the fines you may have to |
| yourself, especially if this isn't your first driving while | | | | pay could cause you to declare bankruptcy or face a |
| intoxicated offense. | | | | term in prison. Having adequate representation during |
| DWI attorneys can be found in most towns and cities | | | | this time is vital. If minor children were in the car with |
| throughout the US. Attorneys who specialize in these | | | | you at the time, there are other charges that may be |
| types of cases are trained in traffic law, so they will | | | | filed including reckless endangerment and failure to |
| be able to give you advice and help in defending | | | | protect a minor. |
| yourself if your case goes to court. A DWI defense | | | | Because you are entitled to a fair trial, hiring an |
| attorney can also help reduce the severity of the | | | | attorney who will be able to explain your rights, the |
| penalties if you're found guilty. | | | | charges against you, and explain how the legal |
| Even if you've already had your first court date, it's not | | | | process works is the only way to preserve these |
| too late to hire an attorney to represent you during this | | | | rights. Even if you're found guilty, the trial you received |
| stressful time. | | | | would have been a fair one because you had an |
| What You Need to Know About DWI | | | | understanding of what was happening. |
| Depending on the state in which you live, the penalties | | | | Even if you are considering settling out of court, you |
| for driving while intoxicated will vary. While most states | | | | should hire an attorney to protect your rights and your |
| will revoke your license until after your court date, | | | | assets. |
| some states enforce heavy fines regardless of | | | | Where to Find a DWI Attorney |
| whether this is your first offense or not. Jail time, | | | | You can find a DWI defense attorney online, in the |
| community service, and the attendance of driver's | | | | phone book, or by asking for referrals from people you |
| education classes are other penalties you may face. | | | | know. When you visit your attorney, it is important to |
| Some states may revoke your driver's license until | | | | be prepared. Bring all paperwork you have so far, and |
| after you complete your jail sentence or pay your | | | | be prepared to give a full account of what happened. |
| fines. | | | | Your attorney will be able to give you advice as to |
| Because a DWI can affect your career and personal | | | | how to proceed. In some cases, it is better to settle |
| life in many different ways, hiring a DWI defense | | | | instead of going to trial. But in other cases, going to trial |
| attorney to help you sort through the legal proceedings | | | | may make it easier to get a reduction in fines and |
| can help preserve your reputation, driving record, and | | | | other charges. |