How Serious is DWI First Offense and What Should You Do?

A DWI first offense is a serious offense.

If you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, you will face misdemeanor charges and possible jail time, fines, probation, and license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of your case. You may also be ordered to attend an alcohol evaluation program or substance abuse treatment program as part of your sentence.

Below is everything you need to know about DWI and what you should do;

What is DWI's first offense, and what to do

1st DWI is the most common type of DWI charge. It refers to a driver who has never been convicted of DWI before but was arrested for driving while intoxicated. If you are convicted of a first-offense charge, it is advisable to hire a DWI attorney.

The attorney will help you in the following ways;

Negotiating with the Prosecutor

A good lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf so that you can get the best possible outcome. The lawyer may also help you decide whether or not it is worth taking a plea deal or going to trial.

Helping you decide whether or not it is worth taking a plea deal or going to trial 

A good attorney will talk to you about what happened, why the police arrested you, and how likely they will win their case against you in court. This way, they can advise on what kind of outcome would be most beneficial for clients and help them choose between pleading guilty or fighting their charges at trial.

Understand the Local Courts

A DWI attorney will have experience with your local court system. They will know how judges and prosecutors work in your area. A lawyer who has worked at the courthouse before will give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to your case. This can be extremely helpful when dealing with your first offense.

Know all of the Different Plea Options

A DWI attorney will know all of the different plea options available to you and how much jail time each one could mean for your future. Hiring an attorney can ensure you don't spend too much time behind bars for your first offense if you drive under the influence. That is because they know how to negotiate with prosecutors so that they might offer reduced charges or fines if you plead guilty early on in the process.

Keep Deadlines and Legal Findings

A DWI attorney will help you keep deadlines and legal findings in order. They will also ensure your paperwork is filed on time so you can meet all deadlines. This could be important for your case if something happens to you or if you cannot attend a hearing or trial due to illness or other reasons.

Help Build your Case

If there is enough evidence for the prosecutor to bring charges against you for a first-time DWI, an attorney will work with you to build a defense case. This might include building arguments based on how much alcohol was in your system at the time of arrest, whether or not there was probable cause for police officers to stop your vehicle and make an arrest in the first place.

Key Takeaway

A DWI attorney specializes in drunk driving cases. These attorneys have experience with the court system, law enforcement, and other government agencies. They know how to fight your case and can help you understand the entire process from start to finish.