It’s safe to say that practically everyone has a negative view of driving while intoxicated. Even people who get behind the wheel after too many drinks generally know they are doing the wrong thing even if they hate to admit it. Judges are often not inclined to be of help to someone charged with this crime unless a practitioner of DWI defense law in Syracuse NY is providing legal representation.
An initial strategy for DWI defense law in Syracuse NY is for the attorney to seek reasons to have the charges dropped or the case dismissed. The lawyer may successfully challenge the breath test or field sobriety test, for example. There may have been no valid reason for the officer to stop the driver. Police officers cannot stop a driver simply on the suspicion of intoxication. If the prosecution drops the charges, this prevents the need to go to trial.
Unfortunately, these results are not possible in most cases. If the case does proceed to court, a judge may dismiss the case if the lawyer can present an effective argument why this should be done. Other efforts include negotiating reduced charges and working to achieve the most lenient sentence possible if the client is convicted. Sometimes, a prosecuting attorney will accept a plea bargain before the trial date in exchange for a reduced charge or lesser penalties.
People who have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol may have a few goals in mind when they hire a lawyer from a firm such as Cardinale & Delvecchio. A primary goal is to avoid jail time. Another is to avoid a driver’s license suspension if possible. Some defendants are willing to accept their responsibility in the matter and are glad to accept a plea bargain that requires admission of guilt. Others must do everything possible to fight the charges because a conviction would have life-changing consequences. A conviction of a repeat DWI, for instance, could come with a mandatory minimum jail sentence that a judge or prosecuting attorney cannot change. This could lead to a loss of shared child custody or current employment. Browse our website and learn more about our lawyers.
