What to do when charged with an out of state DWI
Jun. 23, 2013 6:20a
Out of State DUI
It happens all the time... individuals who are traveling out of state on holiday or business, or even those who are merely passing through get charged with DUI.
It is no laughing matter to be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs no matter what state you may be in, as it can have a negative impact on your future. It can be particularly difficult if you are not in your home state, as you may not be familiar with the state laws and legal consequences for DUI.
If you were charged with DUI in a state that differs from the one you reside in, it would be best to seek legal representation. Otherwise, you may be dealing with hefty fines and other penalties. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:
After the Arrest
The first thing you should do after being charged with DWI is to seek legal representation from a reputable and experienced DWI attorney. A competent attorney will be able to gather evidence relevant to your case, and will be able to thoroughly investigate your case for possible legal challenges. Some of these potential issue include whether your right to counsel was vindicated, did the police officer have a legal basis to make the DUI traffic stop or was there probable cause for the arrest?. In addition, a skilled lawyer will be able to negotiate for a favorable settlement when possible, even if there are no facts that warrant a complete dismissal of your case.
Appearing in Court
Unfortunately, being charged with DWI means that you will have to appear before a judge in court for your sentencing or trial, unless the prosecutor dismisses your case. However, your attorney should be able to take care of majority of your court appearances, except for the actual trial. If you are from a different state, the court generally allows an attorney to make appearances on your behalf to submit a plea and for discovery hearings.
About The Author
If you are from out of state and are charged with a Minnesota DWI, hiring a good DWI attorney would be in your best interests. Don’t make the mistake of handling the case on your own. Call The Kans Law Firm today at (952) 835-6314 to schedule a free initial consultation.