Drivers who are stopped and arrested for DWI must realize that all their actions from then on are crucial and require serious thought and consideration. Listed below are some of the most common mistakes made by drivers arrested for DWI:
- Failing to take the matter seriously.
A DWI charge is not a matter to be taken lightly, as it can follow you for the rest of your life. If convicted, your DWI charge can never be expunged. Apart from the penalties the judge will impose, you will also be dealing with additional motor vehicle insurance charges, the risk of losing your license, jeopardizing your credit, and even losing your job.
- Not hiring a DWI attorney to handle your case.
As with any type of case, you always have the option of hiring an attorney or taking the risk of representing yourself. While the law does not require you to hire an attorney for a DWI charge, doing so would certainly be in your best interest. DWI laws can be a complicated matter, and you definitely want quality representation on your side that knows how to best handle your case. In order to achieve the most advantageous outcome possible, you’ll need a professional who can raise the right defenses at the right time. Otherwise, a potentially winning case could be lost forever.
- Not appearing in court.
Unless your attorney tells you that you are excused from court, missing a court appearance should not be an option. Failing to show up for court could result in the judge issuing a warrant for your arrest and the forfeiture of your posted bond. Your license will also likely be suspended due to your non-appearance in court.
- Driving with a revoked license.
Driving with a revoked license is a very serious offense in Minnesota, and may even be considered as serious as the original DWI charge. If your license is revoked, do not get behind the wheel for any reason. While you may be given provisions to drive to work or school for personal matters, these provisions must first be granted by the DMV.
- Accepting the prosecutor’s first offer.
The first offer is typically one made to put an end to your DWI case in the soonest time possible, and with the least amount of work. At this stage, little to no DWI cases are dismissed or reduced to a lower charge. By accepting the first offer, you are essentially giving up your right to make constitutional challenges and prove your case.
- Hiring an attorney with the lowest fee.
Finances may be tough, but that is no reason to scrimp on your budget for a DWI attorney. Don’t make a decision solely based on an attorney’s fees, because you also need to take other factors into consideration—such as the attorney’s experience and knowledge of the law. While there’s nothing wrong with looking for an attorney with a reasonable fee, you don’t necessarily have to go with the lawyer charging the lowest one.
If you or a loved one have recently been arrested on a DWI charge, do what’s best for you and your family by contacting an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible.
