Even though there are many offenses that are committed across the United States of America, the most serious one is Driving While Intoxicated. It is, in fact, likely to have serious consequences that may affect your future. Driving with a BAC or blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more is a crime and it is also likely that your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked in case you are found guilty. It can also make your entire life costly and you would have to pay hefty fines and increased insurance premiums. So, you should hire a DWI Houston Lawyer to either get a reduced sentence or penalties. Serious Offense
Cases related to drinking and driving or driving while intoxicated can be extremely complicated and the consequences vary according to the state and circumstances. There are some circumstances, which will make your penalties harsher. Some of these circumstances include having a child in the car while you are intoxicated and driving, injury, accidents, and the death of a person when your car hits him or her, refusal to comply with the tests, etc. Moreover, if you are underage, have prior DWI convictions against you, and are still continuing to drink and drive, it can lead to more serious complications. In fact, the greater the alcohol content, the greater would be the penalty under the DWI laws.
Severe Penalties
You may end up with jail time, fines, community service or even the suspension of your driver’s license under the DWI law. In fact, your participation in the alcohol abuse programs of the State will be mandatory and will go on for a really long time, depending on the severity of your crime. You may be asked to attend such programs so that you do not repeat this offense ever again. Even your vehicle can be impounded if you are caught. So, it would be better to take the help of a DWI Houston Lawyer.
Sobriety Tests
Law enforcement officers conduct variegated sobriety tests in order to determine whether you were really driving under the influence of alcohol or not. These tests include One Leg Stands, Walk and Turn, Horizontal Gaze, etc. These tests can determine whether the driver is able to follow instructions and also whether his or her coordination is balanced. In addition, they also conduct a breathalyzer test to determine the blood alcohol content of the driver. In case the reading shows that the blood alcohol content of the driver is above acceptable limits, then he or she will be presumed to be driving under the influence and you will be charged with a DWI. You will then have to appear in the court of law to defend yourself.
A Long Drawn Out Process
Once you have been charged with a Driving While Intoxicated offense, a long drawn out process of legal involvement will automatically follow. The first step will be a preliminary hearing at the district level. It will allow the judge enough time to decide whether you are truly guilty and also whether there is enough evidence against you. Arraignment is the second step that will help you to know and understand the charges against you. You will also be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you are a first time offender, you may get away with community service, a fine, alcohol awareness programs, and community service. You can request for trial by a jury in case you are deemed ineligible for any of the above programs. Ensure that you take the help of a good DWI Lawyer in such a case since there is much legality that you may not be aware of.
