Sunday, November 29, 2009

DWI stands for driving while intoxicated

This is not just alcohol, but it could be drugs (prescribed or simply illegal substances and is the more serious of driving charges when compared to DWI. In almost all cases, if you are caught DWI – you will need the assistance of a DWI lawyer or attorney to help downgrade the charge or you could end up with serious financial and criminal penalties.

DUI stands for driving under the influence. While still a crime and frowned upon, this generally is a lesser charge where the guilty party had less alcohol or other substances in their system while driving the motor vehicle. While a lesser charge, it’s still recommended you contact a DUI lawyer or attorney to assist with your court case. You will obviously pay a premium for the lawyer / attorney services regardless of your state, but this will save you money in the long run.

If you choose not you use their services, you might save at the time of the court case – but your financial penalty and jail term could be much higher in both cases.

While the laws around DUI and DWI do vary from state of state of the USA, and also other countries for that matter. Once you’ve been cited for either of the statutes, this will generally see too legal events brought against you.

You’ll have a criminal action launched (in response to your infringement noticed issued after the DUI / DWI event) as well as an Administrative Action which is launched on your personal drivers licence. In each case, there could quite possibly be additional penalties – this is why its so crucial to have the assistance of a DUI Attorney or DWI Lawyer to guide you.

In terms of the administrative hearing, in most states you have no more than 15 days to submit your request. When the officer involved keeps your state drivers licence you will then receive a “Notice of Suspension of Driving Privileges”. You can use this form as your interim ‘drivers licence’ until the administrative hearing regarding your DWI/DUI court case has been heard.

You will be notified personally as to the time and date of your administrative hearing prior to the event. (In most cases! There have been the odd situations where a letter has not arrived for various reasons)

DUI and DWI laws are quite complex and detailed. Most people aren’t aware of the defense reasons available to them, this is why most will need a DUI attorney or DWI lawyer. The most trusted and experienced lawyers will fight for your rights during what is at times a frightening, emotional and lengthy court action.

In most states there are free DUI Layer and DWI attorney consultation services available to residents.

As a person seeking legal advice in the United States of America, please feel free to leave your comments below and we’ll do our best to put you in touch with lawyers and attorneys in your state or local area. For legal representatives in various states, you too can leave your contact details and comment below and we’ll do our best to add your details to this website.