Individuals accused of criminal activity get to choose how they respond to their charges. They can assert their innocence in court in a bid to protect their reputation and avoid criminal penalties. They can also plead guilty if they believe the state has a strong case.
Frequently, even those who insist they did not break the law believe that a guilty plea might be the best option available. They worry about the cost of taking their case to trial or fear missing work. Many people also become anxious when they think about the attention that a trial might attract.
Individuals facing driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges frequently convince themselves that a guilty plea is the best solution after an arrest. Unfortunately, a guilty plea leaves a criminal defendant in a very vulnerable position.
The courts can hand down major penalties
One common reason people give for pleading guilty to a crime they did not commit is an expectation of lenience. They think that the courts may treat them more kindly if they are cooperative. However, they are at risk of whatever penalties the courts decide to impose based on Texas law.
Even a first DWI offense can lead to up to $2,000 in fines and as long as 180 days in jail. A second DWI carries a minimum jail sentence of a month but could lead to up to a year in state custody. There is also the risk of a fine of up to $4,000 and of a two-year license suspension. There is never any certainty that the sentence won’t include incarceration or the maximum fine possible just because the defendant entered a guilty plea.
The record of the crime can follow them for life
A guilty plea is also dangerous because it leads to a criminal record. A first or second DWI without aggravating factors is typically a misdemeanor offense. However, aggravating factors and repeat offenses might lead to a felony DWI.
The record of the conviction may show up anytime outside parties like employers or landlords perform background checks. A DWI can hold someone back from opportunities for years to come after they plead guilty. The best solution for many people facing impaired driving charges is to review the state’s case and plan a defense strategy.
Fighting back against DWI charges can help people avoid criminal penalties and a criminal record. There are many different ways for people accused of impaired driving to raise questions about whether they actually broke the law or not.
