You went out to a party one night and had a few too many drinks. You decided that you would be fine driving home and so you headed out. Instead of making it all the way home, you were stopped by the police and now you are stuck with a DWI. Now that you have the DWI, how do you decide if you need a DWI attorney in Jefferson County MO? Here are some great reasons why you would need a DWI attorney in Jefferson County MO to help you out with your case.
Is A Guilty Plea The Right Decision?
There are some situations where it is a good idea to plead guilty to your DWI conviction. If you had a blood alcohol level above .11 and the officer that stopped you is able to testify that you were driving recklessly then it is probably a good idea to plead guilty. However, there are situations that it might be better to plead not guilty, and a DWI attorney in Jefferson County MO will know all of the laws in your area to help you make an informed decision. Some examples of when you might not have to plead guilty is if your blood alcohol level was somewhere between .08 and .11 the court might consider that the reading was inaccurate and might let the case go. Your attorney will help you to make the right decision for your situation and will defend you on that decision.
Sentence Bargaining
There are some situations that you might be able to bargain your sentence. If you have had previous DWI charges, had a blood alcohol level over .15, or your driving resulted in an injury or death to another person, then it is very unlikely that you will be able to plead not guilty. In these cases you might be able to do a sentence bargaining. This is when you agree to plead guilty to the DWI but only if you know what your sentence will be ahead of time. Sometimes this bargain will result in a lesser punishment. Your DWI attorney in Jefferson County MO will be able to help you determine if this is the best route for you and will help you through the process.
Second Offense
Sometimes you are able to get away without an attorney if you are on your first DWI. However, if you are on your second, third, or more DWI you will need a DWI attorney in Jefferson County MO. They will be able to help you through the courts and get you the best deal possible for your situation. If you are concerned about being able to afford a DWI attorney, most of them will be willing to work with you to offer payment plans and discounts.
Wegmann Law Firm offers assertive representation for individuals facing criminal charges in Hillsboro, MO, Jefferson, MO, and nearby areas.
