What Happens When You Get a DWI Charge?

Driving while impaired (DWI) can have serious consequences, both for yourself and other road users. Despite this, more than 25,000 drivers are arrested for DWI in Minnesota every year. If you’re stopped by the police and suspected of driving while impaired, it’s highly likely that you will be given a field sobriety test.

Alternatively, a Drug Recognition Expert officer may perform a series of tests to determine whether or not you’re under the influence of recreational or pharmaceutical drugs. If you’re shown to be driving while impaired, you can expect to be arrested and transported to the nearest police station.

Should You Get an Attorney?

Yes. Anyone who has been arrested, for any reason, should always request an attorney. This is your legal right and one you should always enforce. Furthermore, it’s important to consult with a lawyer who has experience in dealing with similar cases. If you’re arrested for driving while impaired in Minnesota, for example, you could contact Josh Johnson Law Offices to access advice and representation.

When you’re arrested, you’ll be read your ‘Miranda Rights’ and asked if you’re happy to talk to police without a lawyer at present. It might be tempting to talk the police without legal representation, particularly as many people assume the matter will be dealt with more quickly. However, talking to the police without consulting with an attorney could mean that you end up with a much harsher penalty.

How Can a DWI Lawyer Help?

Depending on the evidence, an attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed, which means that there will be no long-term consequences following the incident. Alternatively, your lawyer may be able to have your charges reduced, which means that you’ll face lesser penalties that you would have.

If you are charged with driving while impaired, you may want to fight the case in court. If so, you’ll need representation from an experienced DWI attorney. Alternatively, you may want to plead guilty in order to resolve the matter more quickly, particularly if there is evidence to support the charges. With help from a lawyer, however, you can negotiate your punishment and significantly reduce any sanctions which are placed upon you.

If you’re sentenced to probation following a DWI charge, for example, your attorney may be able to reduce the amount of time you spend on probation or lessen the intensity of the supervision. Similarly, the conditions of your probation could be relaxed if you have an attorney negotiating your punishment on your behalf.

Can You Get Your License Back?

Many people who are charged with DWI offences have their license revoked. This can be particularly damaging if you need to drive in order to get to your workplace or if your job role involves driving. In such cases, you may want to instruct your attorney to file an implied consent petition for you, so that you can get your license reinstated as quickly as possible.

There can be many consequences following a DWI charge and all of them are serious. Due to this, it’s important to access legal advice as quickly as you can if you’ve been arrested for this type of offence. With help from an experienced lawyer, you can navigate the situation as carefully as possible and prevent any long-term damage to your reputation.