An Overview of DWI Lawyers
US law strictly prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol. In some states, this offense is called Driving Under the Influence or DUI, while in other places it is known as Driving While Intoxicated or DWI. Drivers who are arrested on suspicion of DUI or DWI generally retain the services of a certified DWI attorney. This attorney can defend them in related cases and also represent them during legal proceedings.
A DWI attorney is primarily an attorney licensed to practice law where the alleged crime occurred. Just as other legal professionals specialize in cases involving personal injury or domestic violence, DWI attorneys choose to focus on cases involving people who have been charged with drunk driving. In general, this means that these attorneys are well versed in the language and application of the state’s DWI laws. They are confident that they can successfully defend their client and win the case.
A county deputy or police officer on duty can assess whether a driver is too drunk to drive, based on their behavior on the road. While traffic is stopped, the officer may let the driver undergo a couple of field tests to determine his response time, coordination, and consistency. When the officer finds that the driver is too drunk with alcohol to drive properly and safely, the driver will be asked to inhale into a breathalyzer. This machine has the ability to measure the amount of alcohol in an individual’s bloodstream.
In case the test results are between 08% and 10%, the driver may face DWI charges and may be taken to a police station for a blood test. He can be held in jail for anywhere from a few hours to several days, until he first appears before a judge. At that time, the suspect may retain the services of a DWI attorney to represent him during trial and, in the meantime, arrange for his release prior to that date.
The process of establishing a person’s legal impairment while driving can be simple. However, it is generally more difficult to successfully prosecute a DWI suspect. In this regard, a DWI attorney has to study the necessary documents and test results related to the case. In addition to this, she will invite certain people to question, such as the suspect, possible witnesses, the arresting officer and lab technicians to learn about the chain of events and collect evidence.
While the case is on trial, a DWI attorney may question the officer about the legality of the arrest and perhaps ask if he has clearly outlined the rights of the defendants, as an example. Field tests that showed intoxication may have been conducted in unfavorable conditions or rough terrain. During the traffic stop, the defendant may have been overly fatigued or suffered from health problems, such as hypoglycemia or diabetes.