First things first, DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Now, we don’t judge how you live your life, but you should know that driving while intoxicated is an act of crime. This means if you get pulled over by a police officer, you’ll most certainly get in trouble and not mention if you make an accident.
The penalty that you should expect starts with a fine in terms of money. Then, you’ll most certainly lose your license and even go to jail. The severity of the punishment depends on how serious your case is. For example, if you were driving with a lot of alcohol in your blood, then the judge will certainly order a higher punishment than in the case where you were caught with just a little over the limit.
No matter the case, you still need a lawyer. You can hire any lawyer but it’s best if you find a one that is an expert in the field of DWI. If you’re living in the area of Rochester, New York, then here’s what you should know about these lawyers.
What does DWI lawyers do?
A good DWI lawyer is supposed to know and easily handle several things that go in your benefit. Here they are:
Find the car insurance
When you get in trouble, you might have difficulties finding the car insurance. However, a good lawyer already did this a lot of times and knows how to get inside the system. Car insurance is important because DWI is not always just charged by a police officer. You may be involved in an accident and in these difficult moments, you need someone that will be able to contact the insurance company and ask for the highest amount you need for the situation.
Legal matters against the opposite party
Your attorney will have a good look at the situation and will determine if you can file charges against the opposite party. You may not be able to make clear decisions or become too emotional, but the lawyer will surely know what to do.
Claim body injuries
In the case of an accident, you may suffer some body injuries. The lawyer will help you file the claim for these injuries. It’s important to do this because later on, health insurances will need proof for this. The proof will help you get proper treatment and get better faster. In case you have a serious car accident, here’s a link that explains what you need to do first.
What a good DWI lawyer should have?
When you get yourself in this kind of stressful situation you can’t sit on the sidewalk and scroll the internet looking for a lawyer. If you happen to be DWI you better have a lawyer on speed dial or at least have one agreed on the terms previously. How to find a good one? Here’s a short list:
Have a good record
Check their work and find a person that used to deal with previous cases and did a good job for their previous clients. Chances are better they’ll do the same for you. You can also check their work on social network sites where people rate the work of lawyers. Make sure they have a good review too.
Charging fees
Lawyers often charge a lot of money. Ask for the terms before something happens because negotiating when you’re in need will only make the price higher. If the lawyer you want is really good but less affordable than others, maybe you still should give him your trust. Of course, unless the price is too high and you can’t afford them.
Experience
Just as the record is important, that’s how important the experience is. A lawyer might have a perfect record but only had to deal with clear cases that don’t require too much. Here’s a little more on how to find out who’s experienced: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-choose-a-lawyer-2164685
License for DWI work
Before hiring, check for their attorney license. Make sure the one you choose is a specialized lawyer in the field of DWI. When it comes to money, someone might tell you that they are not licensed for DWI but know the matter well. Remember that you’re not the one they should practice on.
