Avoiding A Second DWI Charge Against You With An Efficient DWI Lawyer Houston
Driving an automobile under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious crime. A person who has been charged with a criminal offense as serious as this can expect court costs, fines, loss of driving privileges, educational and counseling fees, and possibly even incarceration. That is for the first offense alone. Imagine what it would be like for a second offense! Here are ways to avoid a second DWI charge against you with an efficient DWI Lawyer Houston.
Avoidance of Multiple DWI Charges
The best way to avoid multiple DWI charges would be to call a cab and ask someone to drive you home instead of drinking and getting behind the wheel. Even finding a hotel room to spend the night in would be way cheaper than the costs associated with a second or a third Driving While Intoxicated offense. Sometimes though, life happens and some people end up waking up to realize that they have to be in court to explain what transpired the second time. This explanation can sometimes save the person from charges of multiple offenses committed by them. Prosecutors do play a role in filing charges against you with the court. How you word a complaint will make a huge difference to your case. Prosecutors will look at mitigating and aggravating circumstances and take them into consideration.
Aggravating Factors
A suspect who is uncooperative is much less likely to get a reduced charge. However, this does not imply that he or she should be belligerent or admit his or her guilt. It pays to have a remorseful attitude though. Refusing to take a breath test would, for example, give the officer a chance to tell you that you are feeling guilty. High blood alcohol content will serve as an aggravating factor. It will give the police an opportunity to suspend your license. Remember that an open container of alcohol or any such thing found in your vehicle can be an aggravating factor. Even transporting a minor while under the influence of alcohol can work against you.
Mitigating Factors
When you know that there is a long time frame between some alleged offenses, you can get some time to bargain the charge to a first offense. Some states will not allow a charge of a second offense if a few years have passed between the two offenses. However, the presence of an older offense will matter in considering a sentence against you. A sorrowful attitude and genuine remorse can win you some brownie points in court. However, it may not be enough to get your charges reduced. Likewise, a history of good behavior counts. Again, it is not enough to get you out of this situation.
The best way to tackle a multiple DWI charge is by taking the services of a good DWI Lawyer Houston. The lawyer can get you a lesser offense by working out a plea bargain. He or she can work with the prosecutor to mask the aggravating factors and present the mitigating factors.