Facing DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges is a serious situation, in-part because in the event of a conviction, you could face significant legal and collateral consequences.
One of the most impactful repercussions that you will face in the event of a conviction is an inevitable hike in your auto insurance rates. This financial burden is just one of the many compelling reasons that you should strongly consider fighting back against DWI charges rather than pleading guilty.
Long-term financial impacts
If you are convicted of a DWI, insurance companies will classify you as a high-risk driver. This reclassification will lead to substantial increases in your auto insurance premiums, perhaps doubling or even tripling your current rates. These elevated rates are not just a short-term penalty; they can last for several years, significantly impacting your financial stability. The cumulative cost over time can amount to thousands of dollars.
A DWI conviction also often results in a suspended or restricted driver’s license. Once you regain your driving privileges, you might be required to obtain an SR-22 certificate, a form of high-risk insurance that guarantees your financial responsibility. This requirement can further escalate your insurance costs and add another layer of financial strain. Successfully fighting DWI charges can help you avoid these additional insurance obligations and preserve your driving privileges.
There are several potential defenses that you and your legal team may opt to use when addressing DWI charges, ranging from questioning the legality of your traffic stop to challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer tests.
Every case is different, and it may ultimately prove to be in your best interests to plead guilty. However, you shouldn’t make that assumption without considering every possible defense-related angle. There is simply too much at stake to move forward in any way that isn’t truly informed.