DUI refers to “Driving Under Influence,” while “DWI refers to Driving While Intoxicated.” The penalties charged for each are different and vary from state to state. However, if caught for DUI or DWI, you will be severely penalized, and it is a very serious crime as you are threatening not only your life but the life of others too.
It is claimed that every 45 minutes, a person loses their life due to DUI or DWI. Although according to data collected from the FBI, the percentage of such cases has decreased from the year 2010-2019. But that will not be enough as it is still a heinous crime. If you are caught for DWI, learn more about your legal options here.
Source: forbes.com
Contents
Definition of DUI VS DWI
DUI: Driving under the influence is when a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These drugs do not need to be illicit; they can be prescription dung or over-the-counter drugs too. Any type of intoxication that has made the person impaired will be considered a DUI.
DWI: Driving while intoxicated is when a person is drunk driving.
Each state has a different blood alcohol concentration limit set. For example, in Utah, a person will be charged if their BAC is 0.5%. At the same time, there are some other states where you will be charged with DUI or DWI if your BAC is 0.8%.
The common penalties for such cases are:
- Suspension of driver’s license.
- Mandatory alcohol education and treatment.
- If an accident happens and it is severe, then you might also be taken into custody.
How will a DWI attorney be helpful?
In case you are caught for DWI or DUI, and you have met an accident, or you have been taken into custody, hiring a DWI or DUI attorney will be a lifesaver. They will help you get back your license. Further, they will help you come out of custody as soon as possible.
If you have met an accident, they will further help you in dealing with the other party involved and the insurance company.
When a party is harmed by your carelessness, it is very likely that you will be demanded compensation. If they present the litigation with the help of a personal injury lawyer, you will face severe consequences. Further, the insurance companies can be very thick while compensating for your loss; the lawyer will also negotiate with them on your behalf so that you receive fair compensation.
Source: shaheengordon.com
How to find a Good DUI and DWI Lawyer?
With all being said, the compass comes to a point where you might be thinking where shall you get a good lawyer. With so many options, you might get a bit overwhelmed in selecting “the one” for you.
To help you seive the best amongst the best, here are some attributes that you must keep an eye on while selecting determining who to settle for:
Choose someone from your Locality
When you will be choosing someone from your local area, they will know about the community, judges, and district attorneys in that area. They might know the person who will hear your case and that will add a brownie point to your case. The local lawyer will have in-depth knowledge about the community guidelines and the laws of the local area, this will give essential insight ti your case.
Source: wglawgroup.com
Good Reputation
You want to hire someone who has a good reputation for winning cases. When a lawyer with a good reputation will be representing you in the courtroom, their representation will be valued and taken seriously by others. But somehow if you have ended up with someone who has a vague knowledge about DUI or DWI cases, you must reconsider choosing another lawyer.
Communication Skills
Whilst the first interview you might want to open up your emotional state of being to the lawyer. But if the lawyer cuts you short and gets staring into the business, do not move any further with that lawyer. A lawyer must have the patience and compassion to listen to their clients and give them clients their valuable feedback.
Also, if you encounter someone who is well polished and uses heavy legal terminology to discuss the case, you on the other hand might get awed by their aura but are not understanding what they want to convey. Continuing might not be a wise idea.
Source: florinroebig.com
Commitment
You want someone who will be committed to you and their time will be yours and only yours when you are discussing your case. If you are treated casually, the lawyer is treating other clients more important than you, talking over the phone while you are in a meeting, and so on, change the lawyer immediately.
You will be paying for their duties and hours, ensure that you are their first priority when your time comes.
Extensive knowledge and training on DUI and DWI case
Any car accident lawyer will not be able to handle a DUI or DWI case. You need someone with special expertise in these kinds of cases and in addition years of practice dealing the cases of a similar sort.
A lawyer with expertise will help you get better results for your case and help in avoiding the conviction charges.
Source: schollelaw.com
Research Skills
The attorney you will be hiring should have the capacity to research and collect evidence quickly. In certain situations, they must have an insight into what your case might require and collect all the needed evidence in advance, and create a compiling case. A lawyer who takes a step back to confirm the fact and analyze the case will be a turning point in your case. A lawyer should indulge in building a legal strong case supported by arguments.
Taking research seriously showcases the honesty and dedication of the lawyer. In essence, a skillful lawyer will focus on important matters and access them quickly instead of waiting time on trivial matters.
