DUI Lawyer
Every impaired driving arrest situation unfolds in slightly different ways. Due to variations in state law, law enforcement protocols, prosecutorial discretion and a host of other factors, one DUI defendant’s case may be treated differently than another’s, even when their blood alcohol levels and general circumstances are remarkably similar.
This kind of variability is one of the primary reasons why it is so important to seek out experienced legal guidance as soon as you have been arrested. Having a strong legal advocate on your side may make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. If you have recently been arrested on DUI charges or have questions about impaired driving, please consider connecting with a law firm promptly. Once they learn about your unique circumstances, they will be able to advise you accordingly. For example, you may have questions about how a current or future arrest will be treated if it is a “wobbler.” We will be happy to explore this challenge with you if it is relevant to your situation.
Understanding Wobbler DUIs
Some DUIs are considered misdemeanor offenses, while others are considered felonies. Wobblers may potentially be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on a few different factors. It is important to understand how a wobbler may affect you, as felonies are potentially punishable by a year (or more) in prison whereas misdemeanors are not. Most of the time, prosecutors are given the discretion to charge someone facing a wobbler with either a misdemeanor or a felony. However, judges may sometimes reduce felony charges to misdemeanor charges. If you are currently facing felony charges, a law firm will be able to discuss with you whether it is possible that a judge may reduce the severity of the charges you are facing.
It is worth noting that DUI charges are also often bumped “up” to felonies from misdemeanors depending on aggravating circumstances. For example, if a person is a repeat offender, had a child in the car at the time of the offense, was speeding significantly before being pulled over or had a particularly high blood alcohol level, a misdemeanor offense could be bumped up to a felony. This situation is obviously not ideal, so it is important to have a strong legal strategy in place if any aggravating factors could potentially impact your impaired driving “wobbler” case.
Criminal Defense Guidance Is Available
If you have questions about DUI charges or have recently been arrested on an impaired driving charge, please consider scheduling a consultation with a DUI attorney Washington, DC offers at your earliest possible convenience. When it comes to criminal defense strategies, the earlier you can seek an experienced attorney’s guidance, the better. When too much time passes between an arrest and obtaining experienced counsel, your legal options will likely begin to narrow. And given that the consequences associated with DUI convictions can affect your life for years, it is important to take DUI charges seriously from the start.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense and the basics of “wobbler” DUIs.
