A dwi (driving while intoxicated) charge is serious and can lead to a criminal record, fines, and even jail time. If you are charged with a DUI in New York, it’s important to hire a lawyer who understands the state’s drunk driving laws.
A good defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped, or at least reduce them, or prevent the suspension of your license. Here are some things to look for in a good dwi defense lawyer
Experience
Getting arrested for drunk driving can have serious consequences, and it’s important to take every precaution to avoid conviction. The best way to do this is by hiring an experienced New York City DUI lawyer. These lawyers work day in and day out defending their clients against DWI charges and have a deep understanding of the court system.
A skilled attorney can use pretrial motions to investigate and attack the case against their client. For example, they can challenge the validity of breath, blood and urine tests for alcohol or drugs. They can also fight to have a prior DWI conviction stricken from the record, which can significantly reduce the potential penalty.
Out-of-state drivers are particularly vulnerable to prosecution for DWI. A Staten Island criminal defense lawyer who has experience fighting drunk driving cases can help minimize the impact of an arrest for out-of-state motorists. This is a huge benefit that private lawyers can provide over public defenders.
Knowledge of the Court System
The court system decides whether a suspect is guilty of a crime and delivers justice to him or her. It consists of local state courts that handle criminal cases, and federal courts that handle more complex cases. Having the right lawyer to help you navigate this system can make your case less complicated.
For example, if the police did not follow proper procedure during your DWI arrest, you may have an argument for dismissal of the case. Other issues that the right Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer can use to your advantage include the validity of field sobriety tests and blood and breath testing evidence.
In addition, a good DUI attorney can negotiate a better deal for their client. The standard offer tends to be the same for everyone, but a skilled lawyer can often whittle down this standard offer by bringing up weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case and mitigating factors that the judge should consider.
Knowledge of the Law
A good DWI defense lawyer will be familiar with all the nuances of DUI law. For example, he will know how to attack the validity of breath, blood, and urine tests that are used in DWI cases. These tests can be very inaccurate and many people are under the mistaken assumption that if they blow above a certain limit, they will be automatically convicted of DUI.
The standard of proof in a DWI case is guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A good Staten Island DWI lawyer will know how to attack the prosecution’s case at the foundational level and may be able to dismantle it before it gets to trial.
A DWI arrest typically occurs in one of three scenarios: a traffic stop, a sobriety checkpoint or a traffic accident. Each scenario presents unique legal challenges that a skilled lawyer will be able to investigate and use to your advantage. For instance, a skilled lawyer will know that you have 15 days from the date of your DWI notice to request an administrative hearing.
Reputation
A DWI arrest can be devastating to your reputation, career and freedom. It’s important to find an attorney who can provide guidance and protection.
A reputable Staten Island DUI lawyer should be well-regarded by their peers, clients and the community at large. It is also important to determine whether they are readily accessible and communicate openly with their clients.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI / DWI, it’s imperative that you act quickly to find a reputable and knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer. There are two major events that will happen following your arrest: a DMV hearing and a court trial. It’s important to understand the impact that these events will have on your life and choose a legal team with years of experience to help you through this difficult time.