Drinking and driving is never a good idea. That being said, anyone who has been arrested for operating while under the influence of an intoxicant (OWI) needs a Drunk Driving lawyer in Beaver Dam WI. The state will have a lawyer at every hearing; the defendant absolutely needs a lawyer to defend their constitutional rights.
Some people think that because the penalties for a first time offense are relatively light, it would be easier and cheaper to simply plead guilty. Their reasoning is that they won’t go to jail the first time they are convicted and the fine is relatively small ($300 or less). They believe that the most difficult part of the conviction would be losing their license for up to 9 months.
There are several problems with that belief.
* First, legally, the question is whether or not the prosecutor can prove guilt, not whether or not someone is guilty. If errors have been made by the state, the defendant should not be convicted, but will probably not be aware of those legal errors.
* Second, it’s possible that there are other legal issues that would help the case. Even if there are not such issues, an attorney could negotiate with the prosecutor for the best possible deal. Everyone is entitled to legal counsel as stated in the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
* Third, there can be consequences to a drunk driving conviction that may not have been considered. The conviction is a public record and will have to be reported on employment applications as well as on applications to rent or lease an apartment or home. It will be taken into consideration on college or scholarship applications. If someone has a job requiring a security clearance, a conviction would be a serious problem. In fact, if someone has a job that requires a clean driving record, that job is now in jeopardy.
* The penalties get higher with each conviction. Pleading guilty simply to get the problem done and over with is not the best way to handle the matter.
Quincey Becker Schuessler Chase and Devitt SC of Beaver Dam WI is a full service law firm that has been representing their Dodge County, WI clients since 1902. Anyone who has been arrested for driving under the influence needs an experienced Drunk Driving lawyer in Beaver Dam WI. Call or visit their website to schedule a consultation.
