Do You Need an Attorney After a DWI Charge?

January 5, 2023 0 Comments

With a Tyler TX DWI defense attorney, you can defend yourself against costly DWI charges

Being charged with a DWI is a stressful and frustrating time. A DWI charge, even without a conviction, can negatively impact your driving record, increase your insurance charges, and lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. With the help of a Tyler, TX, DWI defense attorney, however, you can properly defend your case. A DWI defense attorney can help you understand the charges you face and figure out your next steps.

Gathering Information for Your Tyler TX DWI Defense Attorney

In any legal case, having the right evidence and information is imperative. Your Tyler, TX, DWI defense attorney will know how to help you find the information you need for your case. DWI penalties can be extreme, and finding evidence and testimony that’s beneficial to your cause can help lower those penalties. Evidence that can assist you during a DWI trial includes:

Witness Testimony
Police Reports
Traffic Cameras
Breathalyzer Calibration Results
Previous Driving Record/History

Your attorney will examine your case and help you get the information you need to help defend yourself and reduce or drop your charges.

Building a Defense

With the right evidence in hand, your DWI defense lawyer can start building a strong defense for your case. There are many ways to help defend against a DWI charge, and the specifics of your situation will determine which is best for you. Your Texas DWI attorney will help you examine the charges against you and create a plan of defense for your case.

Plea Bargain

A plea bargain is a common way for many first-time offenders to have their DWI charges lessened. While it won’t always get the charges dropped, it can be significantly better than the full punishment. Drivers with a clean driving record and no previous criminal history can often reduce their penalties by pleading guilty and participating in additional DWI prevention courses and events.

Not every first-time offender can make a plea bargain, however. Additional charges and accidents resulting from DWI can influence this possibility. For example, driving with a minor passenger while intoxicated is considered a felony, and defendants are less likely to be able to make a plea bargain with that associated charge. Defendants who also caused an accident while intoxicated are more likely to suffer the full punishments of a conviction.

Extenuating Circumstances

Some situations surrounding the DWI charge may allow a bit of wiggle room when discussing the consequences. Driving while intoxicated, in general, is a crime, but there are some instances where a reduced threat of danger can lessen the penalties. For example, driving while intoxicated in an empty parking lot has a lower chance of causing injury or property damage and could help reduce the penalties a defendant faces.

Faulty Equipment/Testimony

Sometimes, faulty equipment or testimony can lead to a DWI charge where no DWI was committed. Incorrectly calibrated breathalyzers could lead to false positives. Police officers could mistake an illness or lack of sleep for intoxication. Finding these faults in the prosecution’s case can help your DWI defense attorney defend your side and help drop the charges against you.

Navigating the Court Process

Dealing with a DWI charge is a time consuming process that can often be complex and confusing. If you try to navigate the court and DWI process alone, it can be easy to overlook opportunities to help your case. A DWI defense attorney, however, will have been through the process plenty of times before with other clients. Their knowledge and expertise in how trials and DWI meetings go can help save you time and stress. There are also some court procedures that your attorney can do for you, giving you more time to focus on your life and the other aspects of your case.

Find a Tyler, TX, DWI Defense Attorney Today

If you face a DWI charge, don’t try to fight it alone. Working with an experienced Tyler, TX, DWI defense attorney can help you understand your charges and figure out the best way to defend your case in court. At Hager Law, we believe that everyone deserves the right to have a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer on their side. A DWI charge doesn’t have to ruin your life. There are plenty of defense points we can build to help you reduce your charges or even have them dropped. If you are facing a DWI charge, contact Hager Law today at (903) 466-0001. Let’s set up a consultation about your case for you to learn more about what we can do for you.