A driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge could result in significant implications for a person accused of breaking the law. Many people feel intimidated by criminal prosecution and may rush to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Even those who potentially have viable defense strategies available to them might choose to plead guilty because they believe it’s easier, faster and less disruptive. Defendants often expect a guilty plea to lead to more favorable sentences and to limit the long-term implications of their charges. However, the fact is that entering a guilty plea can be more risky than people realize for a few reasons.
1. The criminal penalties
Unless a defendant negotiates a specific plea bargain with the prosecution, usually with the support of a defense attorney, the courts determine the sentence based on the circumstances. A first DWI carries at least three days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines. A guilty plea does not guarantee that the defendant receives the minimum sentence permissible under the law or any kind of leniency. Avoiding a conviction protects people from incarceration, fines and court costs.
2. A driver’s license suspension
Temporarily taking away driving privileges is a standard DWI penalty. A first DWI can cost a motorist their license for up to a year. Subsequent charges can result in even longer license suspension.
3. A criminal record
A guilty plea to a DWI means that the offense is likely to follow the defendant for the rest of their life. Every time they apply for a new job or look into a new rental home, they may have to disclose their criminal record. Further, a first conviction means that another offense in the coming years will have even more severe penalties.
Fighting DWI charges can be a wise decision after an arrest. People who understand what they have to lose may see the importance of responding assertively after a DWI arrest.