First DWI? Here is the one thing you need to do
Receiving a DWI can be one the most stressful, embarrassing and difficult events that a person can experience in life. Spending a day or two in jail, being dragged in front of the judge and having to come up with several hundred dollars for bail can ruin anyone’s week, but there is one thing you can do that will help you in more ways than one:
Obtain Effective and Experienced Representation
An attorney can navigate the legal process
Having an attorney on your team to navigate the legal process is a must. What people sometimes forget is that in Minnesota, you will be facing both a civil case and a criminal case. Both cases travel down their own track, and have multiple requirements and deadlines to consider along the way. An attorney will be able to look at your case, determine whether you have been charged correctly, and develop a game plan based on the charges. You don’t just have to fight the criminal charges, you can challenge the taking of your license, as well.
You will face criminal charges
Criminally, depending on a number of factors, your first DWI can either be a misdemeanor or a gross-misdemeanor. Each level would subject you to different penalties in Minnesota. You could be punished up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted of a misdemeanor. And if convicted of a gross-misdemeanor, you could face up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
You will face civil charges
Civilly, you also can face a variety of revocation periods, depending on certain factors. An attorney will be able to determine whether Minnesota has the right to take your license. The driver’s license revocation period can range from 90 days up to 1 year. Even for your first DWI, the state may be able to impound your license plates. Importantly, an attorney can counsel you through all the details and necessary steps to getting you driving again.
An Attorney will litigate any possible procedural or constitutional issues
An attorney will be able to determine whether your case has any constitutional, procedural, or legal issues worth challenging. First, attorneys can get their hands on all of the available reports, audio, and video evidence very quickly. Upon review of the evidence, an attorney will be able to identify any issues and develop effective litigation strategies to contest your case.
An Attorney will negotiate with the prosecution to resolve case as favorably as possible
Worst-case scenario (if litigation wasn’t successful) an attorney will still be able to help. By leveraging professional relationships with prosecutors and judges, as well as their negotiations experience, an attorney can help minimize whatever punishment and penalties you might be facing. While it is never guaranteed he or she can get any particular deal made, an attorney can help your case, regardless.
