Working with a DWI Lawyer

Charges of DWI or driving whilst impaired/intoxicated can carry severe penalties if you are found guilty. This type of offense is taken very seriously in every state and the penalties include jail terms, fines, loss of driving license, loss of livelihood and probation orders. It is therefore very important that you hire a competent DWI lawyer to represent you in court.

Many lawyers will take on DWI cases, but most will lack the experience and expert knowledge required to successfully defend you and will instead tell you to plead guilty and take your money! Hiring a DWI lawyer who only specializes in these cases will give you the best chance of defending the charges and even being acquitted. DWI cases rely on complex and technical medical and scientific evidence gathered at the time of your arrest and it is this evidence that your lawyer will focus on when they prepare your defense.

Typically DWI cases are dealt with and heard within the state or jurisdiction in which the offense took place, so it is important that you find a lawyer who practices within that area. This is because every state will make their own laws and legislation with regard to driving offenses and only lawyers who practice within the area will have the up to date knowledge of the most recent legislation and procedures. Local lawyers will know the court personnel, the judge presiding over your trial and other legal personnel involved in your case. They will also know all the legal procedures which have to be followed and can advise you on the possibility of entering into a plea bargain.

The cost of a DWI conviction can go much further than simply the fees charged by your lawyer. After their fees, court costs and fines, there may be other financial penalties such as increased insurance premiums, other civil proceedings against you and maybe even loss of earnings because of the conviction. This is why hiring a lawyer in the first place can lessen the chances of further financial costs down the line, although this shouldn’t be taken for granted.

The cost of hiring a DWI lawyer will vary according to the state in which your case will be heard, the extent of the charges against you and the strength of the evidence against you. Typically, most lawyers will charge either an hourly rate or a set fee, but you maybe able to negotiate with them on fees to meet your financial circumstances. If you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer then you can request a court-appointed lawyer at your pre-trial hearing. A lawyer will usually be appointed to you straight away if you qualify and is paid for by the state.