Driving while intoxicated is one of the offenses that the law treats with a lot of seriousness. You should know that the penalties when found guilty keep increasing, a move meant to minimize accidents and fatalities. However, the circumstances surrounding your arrest are not always obvious, so you might not know how to handle the case. As such, it is best to get a lawyer in on it as soon as possible after the arrest. More so, they can help in the following ways.
DWI Laws are Complex
The laws determining whether you get penalized for driving while intoxicated are complex. That said, most people mistakenly believe that it is something they can study from a book and learn how to represent themselves in court. However, there are many pitfalls on the way, and the possibility of a conviction is higher when doing it alone. Given this, it is more beneficial to hire a DWI defense lawyer and let them deal with all the aspects of the case.
The Arrest Comes with Negative Outcomes
It is also crucial to inform a lawyer about your DWI arrest because of the immediate and long-term consequences. You must note that punishment includes getting your driver's license suspended, and in most states, you must appeal this within a month. If you do not know how to appeal on time, you will lose the right to have one. Therefore, you should get a lawyer to resolve all the crises arising after the arrest.
A Conviction Will Change Your Life
Not many people understand the real-life consequences of getting convicted. These include fines, jail time, and lost employment opportunities. You might also have to pay higher vehicle insurance premiums because providers perform background checks, and a past DWI conviction will come up. Even worse, the consequences can go as far as you being unable to get adequate housing. However, an attorney can do their best to get your case tossed and avoid such consequences.
Innocence Doesn't Mean You Can't Get Convicted
Many people also operate from the mindset that as long as they are innocent, they will present their case, and the court will decide in their favor. However, you should know that innocent people get a conviction too. Moreover, you do not want the consequences of a wrongful DWI conviction in your hands.
These are just a few reasons to hire a competent DWI lawyer to represent you in court. So, ensure you find and contact a criminal defense attorney to work on your case for the best results.