I just got charged with a DWI Last night and need to know what steps do I take and what the hell do I do. I know my license is suspened for 40 days, but what else happends! This is my first serious case and I am really at lost. Do i get a lawyer? I'm already broke from getting bonded out! Please help!
2007-03-16 03:17:12 · 13 answers · asked by ambizle06 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Texas, I blew two points over .8
2007-03-16 03:45:24 · update #1
If i decided to get a court appointed lawyer, are they cheap or is it better to get someone else.
2007-03-16 04:13:25 · update #2
DUH YOU DUMB (___!___)'S I KNOW NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE, I NEED REAL FREAKIN ANSWERS OK, I DON'T NEED YOUR SMART (__!__) LIP ALRIGHT!
2007-03-22 07:42:19 · update #3
keep in mind if you "settle" to something like 'reckless driving' instead of a dui, they usually want you to pay all the same fines, take all the same classes, and do all the same community service as you would if it were a DUI.
So if you are going to pay 3+ grand for an attorney, don't let him 'settle' those arrangements.
You can get a court appointed attorney. They are actually some of the brightest attorneys out there. They usually graduate in the top of their class. Just understand that they may have a large case load, but if you are going to take it to trial, they should spend more time with you.
If there is a lot of evidence against you, a settlement may be a good idea. Just don't pay an attorney loads of money to do so on the prosecutors full terms, because it takes absolutely no effort on their behalf to do that.
All settlement terms can be negotiated, also.
good luck
2007-03-16 03:28:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how hard Texas courts come down on folks for DWI. In NY, where I'm a Highway Patrol Officer, they are strict but the penalties aren't that strong (my opinion only).
1st off - you blew 2 pts over a .08 not a .8 (.40 is the lethal dosage of alcohol to a human being). So you blew a .100, which isn't that bad. This is of course provided that it's your 1st DWI and that you weren't involved in an accident. If both of these cases are true, then you should be fine.
Yes you can get an attorney, but there is no legal requirement that you do. They'll probably offer you a plea bargain. The penalties in Texas I'm sure are different from here. You might consult with an attorney.
2007-03-16 04:59:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Certainly, you will need a lawyer to represent you in court. That is really the only way it can be done. If you can demonstrate to the presiding justice that you have no means of affording one you MAY be able to get one through legal aid. My advice is to stop drinking and ask yourself if you have a drinking problem. Driving drunk is a good indicator of the self-centeredness of a substance abuse problem. Don't beat yourself up, but love yourself instead. Just ask if this is something that you may be doing because of a drinking habit. If you think it is, indicate to the justice that you are considering substance abuse counselling, as that is something very helpful to both you and the court. Good luck. Do better.
2007-03-16 04:05:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deal with your court appointed attorney. You are unlikely to get out of it even if you hire a great attorney. Some counties have a diversion program, where you go to classes (that you have to pay for) and you are convicted of a lesser charge. Go to the classes, don't do it again, maintain a clean record and appeal to the court to get the case expunged. The expungement process varies by state and county, so go to the court house and find out how expungements work in your area.
And calm down.
2007-03-23 05:06:16 · answer #4 · answered by godged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer that specializes in DWI cases. Don't be cheap pay the money. If you try to represent yourself the district attorney will try and take advantage of you.
2007-03-16 03:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i live in Texas and know a few people who have gotten DWIs.
if you actually took the breathalizer and failed -- you are basically screwed unless you get a really good lawyer ($$$) who can prove that the original traffic stop was unlawful or that the field sobriety tests that you failed were administered incorrectly. unfortunately, once you get to and fail the breathalizer portion of the night - you are screwed.
the best thing to do is to refuse any of those tests until your lawyer is present - then call a lawyer.
2007-03-16 04:15:37 · answer #6 · answered by George in Texas 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
since each state is different and u didnt say what state u are from, i would go online and look up DWI laws where u are from...u made need to talk to an attorney too, because he/she might be able to plead u out to a lesser offense..u really dont want to be behind a DWI...lots of repercussions from that...
good luck
2007-03-16 03:21:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
find thee a good DWI attorney. Borrow the money and it willpay big dividends should yougotocourt. A good lawyer will get this taken care of and you won't have the burden of it on your record.
2007-03-16 03:29:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to being serious.
You want to get the DUI thing done quickly?
Save yourself some grief. Plead guilty. You'll need the money saved when the judicial system spits you out.
It is called, 'Doing The Right Thing'. Don't forget to make
a public apology. Do what the judgement requires and
then get on with your life.
2007-03-20 15:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never enter the legal system w/o a lawyer.
2007-03-16 03:24:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋