Do You Really Need A DWI Or DUI Attorney?
Ok, so you have landed yourself into the position of needing a DUI attorney, but the question is, do you really need a DWI attorney? Most people think they are the same thing, but the laws vary slightly, and they are considered two different charges. In fact, some states consider them drastically different charges, and consider a DWI to be the greater of the two. If you are a repeat offender, it doesn’t matter which charge you get, you are in for some trouble, and can expect to have the book thrown at you, even if you do get a good DUI attorney.
First, let’s discuss the difference in the two terms. DUI means driving under the influence, and DWI means driving while intoxicated. DUI simply means, that when you got pulled over, the officer knew that you were on something at the time. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is, but once you were taken to jail, the blood tests, and urinalysis will reveal exactly what his suspicions were. Either way, you’re going to jail. A driving while intoxicated charge means the officer could smell alcohol on your breath while he was talking to you, or he can clearly see that you are way too incoherent to drive, let alone take any field sobriety tests, or a blood alcohol content test.
In the case of a DUI, the charges can be lessened greatly by means of the officer not being able to prove what you were on. You may even be taken to jail, and given time to regain yourself, and then be released under your own power, facing no charges at all. As long as you handle yourself properly when you get pulled over, and do not give the officer problems, you can usually get off with a light slap on the wrist, provided this is your first offense. Don’t let it happen again though, second and third time offenders get the book thrown at them.
For a driving while intoxicated charge, you are generally going to jail. They are going to give you time to sober up from whatever you are on, but expect to sit there until your court date, unless someone comes to bail you out. A DWI charge is considered more severe, and is going to be handled by a judge in the same manner. Being this intoxicated, and being on the road is no laughing matter, and judges take it very seriously. You could have killed yourself, or numerous other people on your way to getting arrested. Either way, if you get a driving while intoxicated charge, you are going to need a good DWI or DUI Attorney.
Admin @