Getting arrested and charged with a DWI can turn your life upside down fast. After you let the shock sink in, you’ll need to manage the legal, financial, and personal consequences. When you understand what’s at stake, you can make choices that will support the best possible outcome.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing a DWI charge.
Legal penalties can be strict
Each state has different laws, but DWI charges usually carry strict legal consequences, even for first-time offenders. Fines can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, based on your state and whether it’s a repeat offense. Most states will suspend your license for at least 90 days or longer for repeat offenders. The worst part is that some states have mandatory jail sentences, even for first offenses.
The penalties are harsh because courts take driving under the influence seriously. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities. In 2021, more than 13,000 people were killed by alcohol-impaired drivers. Even if you don’t kill someone, you can expect serious consequences.
A lawyer will fight hard to reduce or drop your charges
While there’s no guarantee, many people get their charges dropped or reduced with the help of a DWI lawyer. Whether or not this is a possibility depends on your individual case circumstances, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation from a qualified attorney.
There are several ways lawyers get charges reduced or dropped:
- Challenging the legality of the stop. Police need a valid reason to pull you over. If the stop was initiated without probable cause, the entire stop is invalid. For example, if you got pulled over for a broken taillight and then got arrested when the officer noticed you were under the influence, the stop would be valid. However, if the officer randomly pulled you over for no reason and then arrested you, the stop would be invalid and a lawyer will argue to suppress evidence from the stop. In that case, the state would need to make their case with other evidence (if it exists).
- Questioning the field sobriety tests. These tests are designed for failure from the start and only exist to give officers probable cause. When assessing these tests, they don’t account for medical conditions, fatigue, and other factors that can influence results.
- Negotiating alternatives. In some states, lawyers can push for a diversion program, reduced charges like reckless driving, and treatment-based alternatives to jail.
Never plead guilty assuming your case isn’t worth fighting. Only a lawyer can make that determination. Even if you can’t get your charges dropped, an attorney can negotiate a lesser penalty that will make a big difference. For example, having a reckless driving charge on your record will leave more opportunities open for your future than a DWI charge.
Ongoing financial consequences
The financial impact of an impaired driving charge won’t stop with court fines. A DWI conviction almost always means higher auto insurance costs. Premiums can double, and in some cases your current insurer might cancel your policy. When you search for new coverage, expect to be denied. Many carriers deny applicants with a DWI on their record, which will force you to choose a specialized insurance company that charges higher rates.
If your job requires driving or you can’t find reliable transportation to get to and from work, you’ll need to find another place of employment.
Professional and personal impact
Once you make it past the courtroom and deal with the financial fallout, a DWI charge can harm your personal and professional life. Some careers might be completely off-limits after a conviction, like commercial driving, healthcare, and government jobs. The conviction will show up on criminal background checks, and that will make it harder to get even a non-driving job.
Even after you pay your fines and get your license back, you could be facing consequences for years. Convictions usually stay on record for 10 years, but it’s longer in some states. Once you have one DWI conviction, future offenses will be treated more harshly with higher fines and longer jail sentences. You’ll also find it harder to get housing and travel visas to certain countries.
Know what’s at stake and call a lawyer right away
A DWI is a serious charge that can alter your life for years to come. The consequences can be severe, whether you lose your license, spend time in jail, or end up paying higher auto insurance premiums for years. If you’re facing these charges, your future is on the line – speak with an experienced DWI attorney right away.
