Fighting New Charges

When you are arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you face severe legal punishments. If you are found guilty, you could be sentenced to months or years in jail. The court may also fine you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

However, you have the right to defend yourself against this charge and explain to the judge why you should not be handed a severe sentence. You can make the best defense in your case by hiring an experienced OWI attorney to represent you.

Avoiding Jail Time

One of the foremost tasks your OWI attorney will handle on your behalf involves helping you avoid jail time. Depending on the level of your blood alcohol level and the amount of damage you inflicted with your intoxicated driving, you could be sentenced to a lengthy jail sentence. Your attorney, however, can build a defense to take to court to convince the judge to sentence you to a lesser punishment, such as community service or probation.

They can use facts in your case, such as your prior clean driving record and lack of a criminal record, to request a lighter sentence for you. Your lawyer may help you avoid going to jail for months or longer.

Avoiding Expensive Fines

Your OWI attorney may also be able to help you avoid expensive fines that you cannot afford to pay. Even a first-time infraction can result in you being heavily fined. You might face months of having to make payments to the court or having your wages garnished to pay off the fine.

Instead of incurring costly fines that you cannot reasonably pay off, you can have your OWI attorney request a lower financial penalty from the court. They may convince the judge to fine you the least amount of money possible. Your lawyer may also be able to get the fine waived in lieu of you completing a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Expunging Your Record

Finally, your OWI attorney may be able to get the conviction expunged from your record after the required number of months or years has passed. After you pay your fine and serve your sentence, you might make a petition through your OWI attorney to expunge the record of your OWI offense.

An OWI attorney may help you avoid having to serve months or years in jail. They can also request a minimal fine and help you get your record expunged of your OWI conviction.