When you see the red lights behind you, you might start counting how many drinks you had with dinner. And when the officer hands you a ticket for driving while intoxicated, you might also start counting dollars and cents. Getting a DWI in Missouri can be a minefield of fees, fines, and expenses you didn’t even know were possible. Check out these five hidden DWI costs; and how to avoid them in southwest Missouri with an experienced DWI attorney:
1. Increased insurance premiums:
If you’re convicted of a DWI, your car insurance company will see you as an increased risk and likely raise your premiums. They may even cancel your policy. If forced to get a high-risk insurance policy, your costs may skyrocket.
The right criminal defense attorney can help you avoid increases in your insurance premiums following a DWI conviction by helping you avoid the conviction altogether. An attorney experienced in practicing law and knowledgeable about the court you’re appearing in can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you.
Your attorney can also recommend alternative sentencing options, such as alcohol education programs or defensive driving courses. These will demonstrate to your auto insurance company that you are not the risk they initially thought you were. Also, these options show that you are taking steps to address the issue.
2. Lost wages:
A DWI doesn’t just cost you money in fines and fees; it can cost you your earnings. If you are required to serve jail time, attend court hearings or complete community service, you may need to take time off work, which can result in lost wages.
Ensure you keep your attorney’s information in your phone and ask to speak to them immediately when confronted by law enforcement. The sooner your attorney is involved, the sooner they can make sure your time, and your rights, are being respected.
An experienced DWI attorney should help you navigate the court system with minimal impact on your work schedule. Sometimes, you may not even need to appear in court with the right attorney.
If you’re ultimately convicted of a DWI, you may be worried about losing your job or professional license. Your attorney can advise you on your options for maintaining your employment, such as seeking a hardship license or working with your employer to arrange a leave of absence. An attorney who has been defending people for decades will understand the nuances of your situation and be able to see you through it.
3. License suspension:
A DWI conviction may result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Losing your driving privileges can make getting to work or fulfilling other obligations challenging.
Many factors go into the decision to suspend or revoke someone’s license. Is this your first DWI? Were you involved in an accident? Do you have any other convictions on your driving record? All details matter and a good attorney will use them to negotiate your license as your case moves through the court system.
4. Ignition interlock devices:
An ignition interlock is a device wired into your car with a tube you blow in. It sits right next to you, and you’re supposed to blow into it when you start your vehicle, and you might have to blow into it occasionally while driving to prove you’re not drinking.
Ignition interlock frequently goes hand-in-hand with second, third, or fourth DWIs. So when someone is a repeat offender with DWIs, they end up with this device in their car, either through the Department of Revenue or the court system.
If you’re facing your first DWI, you may still get solicitation letters from ignition interlock companies suggesting that you install the device. DON’T. Call your attorney.
These devices are expensive. Your lawyer can often help you avoid that cost by negotiating with the prosecutor.
5. Professional consequences:
To determine if you are at risk of losing your job, we need to talk about what you do for a living. Different positions have different rules. You’re in trouble if you are a truck driver holding a commercial license.
If you work in retail, an office, a fast food restaurant, or are a student, that is an entirely different situation. Your boss probably won’t care about you getting a first-time DWI if you get to work on time. If you’re a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or nurse, you need to dive a little deeper to get that answer.
A first-time DWI usually won’t result in job loss. But to ensure you are not the exception to the rule, you need to hire an attorney whose goal isn’t just to win but to minimize the impact your ticket or charges have on your life, including your employment.
When you’re searching for an attorney to help you avoid or minimize these hidden costs, it is critical that you hire someone who not only has experience handling DWIs but also has a deep knowledge of the court you’re appearing in. They can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, secure a plea bargain or diversion program, and help you navigate the legal system.
The attorneys of MRD Lawyers may be able to avoid or minimize the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction. Let’s schedule a time to find out how we can help you.
