As
many Phoenix DWI attorneys will tell you, many people mistakenly
believe that this charge is inconsequential. Yet, a drunk driving
conviction in Arizona is often met with harsh penalties, including
prison time, a tarnished record, large fines and larger insurance
premiums. It’s possible to lose your job over drunk driving, and many
have lost their professional licenses. Drinking and driving charges can
turn into serious and fairly complex cases. Accordingly, if you are
charged, do your best to avoid some common mistakes.
It can be
tempting for individuals who are arrested for DWI in Arizona to quickly
admit guilt, often simply to get the ordeal over with as quickly as
possible. This is ill advised- it is crucial for your case to be
properly investigated prior to talk of any resolution. If a guilty plea
comes before your Phoenix DWI attorney has had a chance to analyze the
case, you may have reduced the chances of your defense significantly.
There are a range of errors and defects that an attorney could possibly
find in your case, but only if they are allowed to investigate before
you admit any guilt.
Sometimes people make assumptions that the
police officers don’t make mistakes, or if they do, it’s difficult to
address. Let your Phoenix DWI attorney analyze your case. There are
times when officers –who are only human- don’t follow the law or
processes correctly. This can result in the dismissal of a DWI charge.
The rules must be followed in order for you to be convicted of a drunk
driving charge.
Some who are charged with DWI assume that a
breathalyzer result is beyond question. Sometimes these machines
actually do make mistakes. For example, if routine maintenance isn’t
performed on a breath test machine, the machine may give a false
positive. Again, this is just another reason to find an experienced
Phoenix DWI attorney; let your lawyer examine all the possibilities.
It’s
not always obvious, but it’s crucial: don’t talk to family and friends
about your case. This is important because you could end up turning
them against you if they become witnesses. This is a real possibility.
Only discuss your case with your lawyer.
The
last mistake that you do not want to make is waiting to hire your
attorney. The sooner you respond to our charge, the better your chances
are for a successful resolution. The legal process has a time line of
its own. For example, beyond 15 days from the date of your DWI arrest,
you forfeit your ability to request a hearing to challenge your license
suspension. Make sure that you do not miss your opportunity.
Don’t
make the same mistakes that others have. If you are convicted of a DWI
in Phoenix, Arizona, you can end up with significant jail time, heavy
fines and increased insurance premiums. The sooner you act in finding
the right Phoenix DUI attorney, the sooner your representation can get
started on the best defense possible.