Tips from a DWI Attorney

Mar 20
18:49

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

A DWI attorney is crucial when charged with driving under the influence. Here are some tips.A DWI attorney is a legal representative who defends individuals who have been charged with driving while intoxicated.

mediaimage
This is a criminal charge which could lead to serious consequences without proper representation. Not just any lawyer will do when it comes to these criminal charges. A citizen’s driving privileges,Tips from a DWI Attorney Articles freedom and insurance rates could all be thrown into havoc or lost altogether. Whether an individual feels he or she is guilty or not does not affect the fact that an attorney is needed. No doubt about it; calling for legal help is mandatory. Some tips regarding this difficulty include:

- Laws vary by state: The laws on the books regarding this offense are different depending on what state the citizen resides in as well as the location of the offense. It’s crucial to consult with a law practice that is in the proper jurisdiction.

- Court system requires finesse: Some motorists want to defend themselves in court but this isn’t a wise idea. Maneuvering through the complicated court system is a complex task which requires finesse, experience and expertise. It’s important to have a savvy professional on your side.

- DWI vs. DUI: DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. DUI stands for driving under the influence. DWI means that the blood has more than 0.08% of alcohol content while the DUI has less than 0.08%. Both are charges which will land the driver in trouble. The lesser percentage will result in a ticket and day in court while the greater percentage could land the individual in jail.

- BAC: B-A-C are the initials that stand for Blood Alcohol Content. This is the percentage of beer, wine or cocktails that is in the bloodstream. A BAC is routinely taken as part of a sobriety check by the police if drunk-motoring is apparent.

- Field Sobriety Tests: Police administer a variety of tests to determine drunkenness. The FSTs include:

o Following an object with the eye to monitor reaction time. This is also referred to as the “horizontal gaze” test.
o Standing on one leg to determine balance.
o Walking a straight line heal to toe.
o With eyes closed, the motorist must be able to tip their head back and touch their nose.
o Recite alphabet backwards or count backwards.
o Breathe into a preliminary breath tester.
- Signs of a drunk on the road:
o Swerving
o Alcoholic beverage containers visible
o Odor of beer, wine or other cocktail
o Reddened eyes
o Slurred speech
o Flushed complexion

Driving after a party or a few beers with friends or co-workers can result in devastating consequences. It is never okay to drive after imbibing. When party time is approaching and a person knows that cocktails will be served, he or she should take a few precautions.

All motorists should make certain that they have a designated driver, cab fare, or a hotel within walking distance. Friends should never let friends get behind the wheel when they’re impaired. Hiding the keys or making other transportation arrangements for them could save lives. If mistakes have been made, a call should be made to a reputable DWI attorney as soon as possible.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories: