The law is cracking down on DWI offenses by stiffening the penalties of each charge. First time offenders charged with driving while intoxicated are now facing penalties they would have only after a second or third charge. With penalties being so severe, it is no wonder more defendants are seeking help from an Attorney in Rockwall TX. Trying to represent yourself in this type of serious charge can prove embarrassingly risky.
Common penalties for first time offenders include:
* Serving a minimum of 3 to 180 days in jail
* Fines as much as $2,000
* License suspension for a period of 90 days to a year
When a person is a second and third time offender, they could end up being sentenced to as many as two years in jail. They could also be charged with fines climbing as high as $10,000. Third time offenders could lose their license for up to two years. With these stiff penalties in place, it is crucial charged individuals hire an Attorney in Rockwall TX. Though hiring an attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of a case, it can certainly make a difference.
Often, an Attorney in Rockwall TX can help their clients by getting their charges reduced or even dropped. This is entirely dependent on how many prior convictions the individual has had and what the district attorney feels is the best sentence. The attorney will work with the DA to see if a plea bargain can be reached. This may allow an individual to avoid jail time and only be instructed to pay fees or go through probation.
The average individual does not have enough knowledge of laws to represent himself in court. Those who try often fail and end up spending time in jail and being amassed high fines. With a lawyer representing his client, mistakes can be avoided so the best outcome is achieved.
Those who have been charged with a DWI would do well by calling The Law Offices of Tim Hartley in Rockwall TX. He and his team have been successful in helping many people who have been charged with DWI. Browse the website and learn how they can help you.