A DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge is a serious charge and considered a criminal offense in most states. Most likely, you will incur penalties and fines. The first step, once a DWI offense has been issued, is to seek an attorney. At this stage, research is of the utmost importance. Preferably, the attorney should be considered an expert in the handling of drunk driving cases. One tool to use is word of mouth. Consult with friends and relatives who may know of someone who can recommend a DWI attorney. The Internet is a great resource, as many DWI attorneys have websites showcasing their statistics with DWI cases. The Bar Association is another avenue to explore. Attorneys here are recommended by members or peers depending on their specialty of law. Be sure the attorney you’re interested in using has credentials with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. This credential ensures the validity of a renowned lawyer.
The laws regarding DWI are not nationally uniform. Therefore, the attorney you choose must know the laws, and specifically your rights, relative to the state in which the offense occurred. An attorney who specializes in DWI cases can help in many areas in which you will be personally affected as a result of this charge. It is possible this attorney can prevent you from losing your driver’s license. The nature of these charges will determine how stiff the fines are and the right attorney can help in getting them reduced. The attorney can also address and combat any upcoming litigations that may evolve from this offense.
Your automobile insurance coverage premium will increase once you have been convicted of a DWI charge. A good driving record won’t help you since most automobile insurance companies will put you in a high risk category when quoting premiums for a DWI offense. There are companies who specialize in this type of coverage and it would be a good idea to shop around for the best rate. One insurance program to check out is Drive Insurance through Progressive. They are known for reasonable rates in issuing insurance coverage to those recently convicted of drunk driving.
The next important step is to assess your alcohol intake. Obviously, poor judgment while intoxicated led to the DWI conviction. There are many organizations available to help you with resources in the event that control in drinking alcohol has become a problem for you.
Another concern may be a negative reaction from your employer. Most employers are not very accepting of a DWI charge for their employees. Even if your job does not require driving, termination is still a possible result of the DWI charge. Future career choices may also be limited, as a DWI offense is a red flag during the process of hiring applicants. Being upfront with your employer and indicating that you are taking steps to get help will be of great value. Enrolling in a program for self help will certainly verify that you are very serious about making positive changes in your life.