What Do You Need to Know About a DWI Arrest?

Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax, VA

Those who have been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) may suffer very serious penalties that could affect their life for many years to come. Consequences for a DWI arrest will only get worse if another person was harmed due to the intoxication. If you have been arrested for DWI, the first thing you should consider is contacting a criminal defense lawyer Fairfax, VA trusts and who can help you defend against your charges. In the meantime, here are five things you should know if you have been arrested for DWI:

#1 Your New Status May Be a “High-Risk Driver”

Your car insurance company may increase your monthly premiums after receiving notification of your DWI arrest. This can happen because your insurer may list you as a “high-risk driver.” A “high-risk” driver is one who has been deemed to potentially cost the insurance company money, and who most likely has higher premiums to offset the potential costs. Your insurer may even drop you from coverage after learning about a driving-related criminal conviction.

#2 Intoxicated Driving Could Be Any Substance

Many people may think that alcohol is the only substance that can result in an arrest if it is found in their system after being pulled over. This is not true. DWI arrests can result from a driver having other drugs in their system, including prescription, over-the-counter, or other legal drugs. Criminal defense attorneys in your local Fairfax, VA area can tell you more about exactly what substances, if found in your bloodstream, may result in a DWI arrest.

#3 DWI Can Become a Felony

In the majority of cases, a person arrested for a DWI receives a misdemeanor and not a felony. Despite being rare, it is still possible for a DWI to become a felony if the driver severely injured or even killed another person while driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any driver who has been arrested of a DWI should obtain legal representation immediately. When choosing a criminal defense attorney in Fairfax, VA, look for an attorney with experience and expertise in DWI defense.

#4 Anticipate Your License Being Suspended

The arresting officer may take your license away and give you a temporary one instead. The temporary license has an expiration date which is related to the date of your DWI hearing. If you do not request a hearing, then your license is likely to be suspended automatically. Those who are able to plead their case with success during a hearing, may have their license awarded back to them right away. Others who are unsuccessful, may have the license suspended for a specific length of time. How long a license may be revoked can depend on what type of drug the driver was influenced by, and if there are any other DWI charges on the person’s record. A qualified criminal defense attorney in Fairfax, VA will be able to give you specific advice about how to keep or get back your driver’s license in the event of a DWI arrest.

#5 You May Have to Attend a Treatment Program

A common requirement for those charged with a DWI who want their license back is to attend therapy or complete a treatment program. If you were convicted more than once for a DWI or related charge, you may lose your license for years or even permanently if the offense keeps happening. A person who was told by a judge to take an education course, attend therapy or enroll in a treatment program but fails to finish, is very unlikely to get his or her license back.

Remember, the best thing you can do for yourself if you have been arrested for DWI is to consult with a criminal defense lawyer Fairfax, VA relies on for representation.