Operating machinery while intoxicated is a serious offense in most states. People who get arrested for the crime suffer consequences like losing their licenses, jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Machinery operation while intoxicated extends beyond driving vehicles and encompasses operating heavy machinery and vessels like boats and yachts. It is advisable to hire a lawyer after getting arrested for this crime. Here are the main reasons you should consider hiring an OWI lawyer.
They Can Mitigate the Seriousness of Your Sentence
The process of resolving OWI charges might seem complicated when you do not understand how the legal system works. If your blood alcohol level was clearly above the limit, you might think that the only way out is simply admitting to the charge. However, you do not necessarily have to. You can enlist the help of a lawyer to assist you in finding other ways out of the legal dilemma. The lawyer will help you explore options like plea bargains, which take the uncertainty off the court process and allow you to get started on rebuilding your life.
They Understand the Courts
A significant percentage of the population has never been through a situation that required them to go to court. Therefore, very few people understand how the courts operate. If your OWI is your first legal charge, you might have a complicated time with the courts because they can be a bureaucratic nightmare. A lawyer fully understands how the system works, from the arrest to the sentencing. They can also tell when the prosecutor follows the ideal legal procedures and when they do not. Consequently, it becomes easier to manage the case. Having a lawyer also assures answers to your questions about the process.
They Have Expertise in Handling Multiple Offenses
The outcome of your plea and sentence changes when you have committed other OWIs in the past. First-time offenders get a reasonable sentence because the court system considers it a learning experience. However, if your records show that you have gone through the same process several times and there is no behavior improvement, they might want to take stricter actions against you. A lawyer can help you attain the best possible outcome in a repeat offense.
The process of defending an OWI charge is complicated. However, you can resolve them with the help of a lawyer. Your case gets a quick and favorable sentence with suitable legal guidance.
For more information, contact a local OWI Lawyer near you.
