Getting charged with a DWI can be scary as it can impact your life significantly. Every case is different, so there is nothing you can do to determine the exact outcome of your case. Moreover, there are a variety of factors that affect the outcome of a case.
If you have been recently charged with a DWI, you can do a few things to improve your situation before your court hearing. Additionally, hiring a Houston DWI lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that can worsen your case.
Things to do to improve your situation before your court date
-
Do community service.
Most DWI convictions require completing at least 48 hours of community service. When you start doing it before your court hearing, you will have already completed some part of your sentence. This way, you reduce the number of hours left if you get convicted.
-
Alcohol and drug assessment before trial.
As is obvious, the police officers assume that you have a drug or alcohol problem when you get caught for a DWI. The same goes for your employer, colleagues, friends, and even family members. It does not matter whether they are right or wrong—the mere act of being arrested screams to the world that there is something wrong with you.
This is why getting an alcohol and drug assessment prior to your trial is important. The reports can significantly help in proving that you do not have a problem.
-
Take alcohol education classes.
If your license gets suspended in Houston, you may be required to take alcohol education classes. Taking these classes will help improve your appearance before the judge. Even if you are not found guilty, these classes are filled with a plethora of information that can help you prevent DWIs in the future. Some programs even offer to pick you up if you cannot drive there yourself.
-
Clean up your driving history.
When your case goes to court, the judge would want to know if there are any past violations you have committed. They will also see if there are past charges against you, such as speeding, reckless driving, etc.
When the prosecution sees that you have done similar behavior in the past, they may assume you are guilty based on that. By cleaning up your record, you show that you are responsible for your legal matters.
-
Make sure you have enough funds to afford a criminal defense lawyer.
When you are charged with a DWI, it is never easy to get out without the help of a criminal defense lawyer. Therefore, you should make sure you have enough funds to hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney may seem expensive at first, but it will protect you in the long run.
