It seems to happen whenever you least expect it. You’re out with friends having a good time, perhaps you have a few drinks and then you decide to head home. Although you feel perfectly fine, your evening is shattered whenever you’re pulled over and charged with driving under the influence. This story is repeated many times, and unfortunately, many people don’t understand the legal ramifications that come from these types of charges. One thing that I will tell you, however, is that it is important for you to contact a DWI defense lawyer from the very first moment that this occurs. Here’s why.

Something that you’re probably not aware of is the fact that even from the first time you were caught driving under the influence, you’re facing the possibility of six months behind bars. Of course, each subsequent time you were caught with the same violation, the charges are going to increase. Another thing that you are facing is the possibility and the likelihood of a driver’s license suspension for one year, as well as fines and probation with the possibility for community service. All of these things require the help of legal assistance if you want to be able to reduce the charges to the lowest amount possible.

First of all, you have a hearing that is going to take place with the Department of Motor Vehicles. You will receive notification about this within a few days after you have been charged with driving under the influence. If you have not contacted the DWI defense lawyer by this point, it is important for you to contact one now. You do not want to go into this hearing on your own, more than likely you’re going to lose your license without any question. A DWI defense lawyer, however, may be able to bring some inappropriate behavior to light on the part of the arresting officer and this may be able to help you keep your drivers license.

As far as the criminal trial is concerned, this is also an area where you would want to have your attorney by your side. If you decide to defend yourself, you’re giving up your right to remain silent which means that the prosecuting attorney is going to do everything in their power to get you to incriminate yourself, not only on this charge but on other charges as well. You will also not be able to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney, but a DWI defense lawyer will. Make sure that you give yourself the benefit of having an attorney whenever you go into court and you will usually fare much better.

Choosing a DWI defense lawyer may be a little bit difficult, but really if you keep a few things in mind, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. Make sure that you choose a lawyer that is going to give you the personalized attention that you need. This means that they should be the one that you talk to when you call in and that they should work on their own, so that they will become familiar with your case.