I have always been someone who loves to stay on the right side of justice, which is probably why I shied away from hanging out with the wrong crowd all growing up. Unfortunately, I found myself with someone when they committed a criminal act a few years ago, and it really hurt my case. It was amazing to see just how damaging those initial charges were to my self-confidence, and I knew that I had to do something to make things right. I began focusing on working with the right lawyer to clear my name, and within a few days, things were looking up. Check out this website to learn more about criminal attorneys.
What Types Of Penalties Can You Expect In A DWI Case?
If you have recently been charged with a DWI, then you probably know that you are in some pretty serious trouble. You might be concerned about what the future holds for you, which is certainly an understandable concern. Penalties for DWI cases can vary based on a number of different things, such as whether or not it's your first DWI, what your driving record is like, what your criminal record is like, what the specific details of your case are, and what the laws are like in your state. These are some of the types of penalties that are commonly assessed for DWI cases, however.
Fees and Fines
First of all, you will typically be expected to pay fees and fines when convicted of a DWI. This is in addition to any legal fees that you have to pay your attorney.
Jail or Prison Time
Many people never serve any active jail or prison time for a DWI. However, if you have been charged with multiple DWIs or if there are other major factors with your DWI case — such as if you were involved in a serious car accident and caused injury to another person while driving under the influence — then you could face incarceration.
Probation
In many cases, individuals who are convicted of a DWI are sentenced to a period of probation. During this time, you might be supervised by a probation officer, and you may not be allowed to consume alcohol. You might be required to abide by a curfew, and you might not be allowed to leave your county or state without permission from your probation officer.
Loss of Driving Privileges
It's typical for DWI offenders to lose their driving privileges for a set period of time after a DWI conviction. In some cases, you might be eligible for a permit that allows you to drive in certain situations, such as to and from work. Before your driving privileges are restored, you might be required to install a breathalyzer machine in your car. Additionally, you will probably face increased car insurance rates once you begin driving again.
Community Service
In many cases, individuals who are found guilty of driving while under the influence are required to perform a certain number of community service hours at an approved facility in their community. In some cases, attorneys advise their clients to complete this community service requirement before they go to court to help with sentencing.
Contact a company like Cohen Law Offices, LLC to learn more.