If you're cited for a DWI infraction, almost every facet of your life can be impacted. Just because you might have made a mistake, however, doesn't mean that you can't look for ways to soften the blow.

Here are some of the ways that a DWI attorney can help you.

Plea Down

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to halt, most court systems were woefully backlogged. This strain on the system means that prosecutors are sometimes willing to work with DWI attorneys to negotiate for lesser charges.

• Reckless Driving: One of the most common plea bargains used by DWI attorneys, a plea of reckless driving can mean fewer restrictions on your driving privileges and smaller fines. To successfully negotiate a reckless driving plea, it helps to have a clean driving history (no previous DWI citations) and a willingness to comply with preventative measures. For instance, the court might ask you to submit to random drug tests for the next 6 months and attend bi-weekly alcohol treatment sessions. Even though these preventative measures will cost you both time and money, they are often far less than the punishment you might have received for a DWI infraction.
• Impaired Driving: In some states you can enter a plea of impaired driving. This plea deal is ideal for situations involving low Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels. For instance, if your BAC is within a few percentage points of the legal threshold, your DWI attorney can use the standard margin of error to cast doubt of the prosecution's evidence. Although an impaired driving plea may not completely exonerate, the fines and charges can be similar to other moving violations.

Petition for Reductions

A DWI infraction shouldn't deprive you of the opportunity to work or keep a roof over your head. A DWI attorney can petition the courts for a deduction of penalties and fines.

• Driving Privileges: If you rely on your ability to drive for work and/or transporting your children to school, your DWI attorney can petition the court to protect some of your driving privileges. When petitioning the courts for these privileges, you might need to submit to GPS tracking or submitting a monthly driving log to the courts.
• Reduced Fines: DWI fines can cost thousands of dollars. Although this monetary deterrent is understandable, your DWI attorney can ask for reduce fines based on your income or other responsibilities like child support or alimony.

For more information on your options, contact a DWI attorney.