What to Do After Being Arrested for DWI

DWI is an acronym for "driving while intoxicated" or "driving while impaired." Individuals are typically arrested for DWI while driving an automobile under the influence of alcohol. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in every state in the U.S and is a criminal violation of the law. Unlike traffic law infractions such as speeding or failure to wear a seat belt, criminal law violations have serious repercussions that can be damaging to an individual's career, reputation, and financial stability. For these reasons, there are several steps that an individuals should take when they are arrested for a criminal violation of the law such as a DWI.

Even when individuals are inebriated they still have Constitutional rights that they may invoke and that must be upheld by the arresting officers. Individuals suspected of impaired driving do have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions until they have legal counsel present. Because DWI can have serious consequences, it may be best to invoke the right to silence until legal counsel can be secured. Cooperating with the arresting officer is highly recommended but unnecessarily incriminating oneself is not.

Individuals arrested for DWI will not only face a criminal violation but administrative penalties will be levied against the individual as well. These typically come in the form of driver's license sanctions. In most cases, the individual's driver's license is suspended for a specified period of time. Individuals facing a license suspension may seek approval of a restricted license from the court in order to maintain the ability to drive to work.

Since a DWI is a serious offense with severe ramifications, individuals should retain the services of an experienced criminal law attorney. This will be one of the most important steps that individuals charged with this offense can take. An criminal law attorney can provide expert legal advice during this difficult time and ensure that the matter is handled in a satisfactory manner.