How to Beat a DWI
Getting convicted of a DWI is a serious offense, and can have serious effects on your life. You will have a permanent criminal record, your employment opportunities will be severely limited, and your driver's license may be suspended. However, beating a DWI, although difficult, is not an uncommon occurrence.
- React to the police officer who pulls you over in a polite, cooperative manner. Police officers play an important role in DUI conviction, you do not want the officer that pulls you over to have a grudge against you.
- Decide whether or not you want to take a field sobriety test. This largely depends upon how intoxicated you are. Take it if you think you can pass it, if not, simply ask to speak with your lawyer and they will take you to the jail.
- Refuse the breathalyzer that they ask you to take at the jail or police station. Failing the breathalyzer will provide solid evidence against you, but refusing only results in the suspension of your license. This is not such a bad trade when you consider the fact that you can get a permit to drive to work.
- Hire a lawyer. Many people choose to represent themselves in court because they think the lawyer's fee will be too high. The fact of the matter is that a DUI conviction is typically many times more expensive than the fee charged by a lawyer to represent you. Lawyers are not only familiar with the process of fighting a DUI, but their knowledge of the district attorney and judge is not to be underestimated.
- Review the evidence against you with your lawyer. Search for any instances in which your rights were violated and for discrepancies that could discredit the police officer's credibility. Finding any of these could result in the dismissal of your case.
- Take a deal if it is offered. Most DWI cases do not go to trial. This means that many deals are made between the individuals cited and district attorneys. Deals typically involve a guilty plea in exchange for dropping the charge to a lesser crime.