Facing a DWI charge can be one of the most stressful events you have to face. It can impact your life in a tremendous number of ways including losing your license, heavy fines, and even jail sentences. And unlike many other types of criminal charges, a DWI is often something that is fairly ironclad for the prosecution. After all, those with a DWI charge are usually caught driving by a police officer and given a breathalyzer test.
But the reality is that while the majority of those on Long Island who will face a DWI charge will end up pleading guilty simply because it’s their best option, it isn’t always that way. In fact, there are occasions when a DWI charge could be dropped or even lead to a not guilty verdict. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to speak to a DWI lawyer before you enter a guilty plea into the system.
Here are some examples of how a DWI charge could end not with a guilty plea or guilty verdict, but with you walking away free from criminal consequences. Depending on your situation, one or more of them could apply to you.
- If an officer acted inappropriately, whether it was their reason for stopping you, their actions during the arrest, or some other issue, you could be able to have charges dismissed.
- Breathalyzer equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained. If it isn’t, you could be able to show this in court and prove that you deserve the charges to be dropped.
- In some cases, pleading to lesser offenses can have a DWI removed entirely. This may sound like it’s still pleading guilty, but the difference is that pleading to a lesser charge could mean lower penalties. Usually, it will take a lawyer to get this accomplished.
Those are just three examples. Of course, it will take the skilled eye of a professional in order to figure out what your best option is. Your DWI attorney may end up telling you that a guilty plea is your only real option. But there’s always a chance that you have other alternatives available. And given the extreme nature of some DWI punishments, it makes sense to do all you can to avoid a guilty verdict. Talking to an attorney is the first step you need to take, and one that could pay off tremendously.