Should I Plead Guilty to a DWI in Asheville, North Carolina?

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make after a DWI charge in Asheville is whether to plead guilty. Regardless of what anyone tells you, this decision is yours and yours alone. However, an experienced DWI defense attorney may be able to help you assess the pros and cons of pleading guilty. Regardless of which option you choose, your lawyer can guide you toward positive outcomes.

What Are Your Potential Penalties?

When determining whether to plead guilty to a DWI in North Carolina, you should first determine the penalties you would face. Remember, pleading guilty leads to a guilty conviction. As a result, the normal penalties will apply. Although a guilty plea might mitigate these consequences, there is no guarantee you’ll receive a lenient sentence. It is also impossible to avoid all of the various penalties if you plead guilty.

A first offense might not result in particularly serious penalties. You may only need to pay a small fine, and you might avoid incarceration. That said, even a first-offense DWI can go on your criminal record. This might affect your personal and professional life in many ways. A first conviction also raises the chances of more serious penalties if you are convicted for a second DWI in the future. Plead guilty, and these are all legitimate possibilities. If you fight your charges and plead not guilty, you could be acquitted.

Pleading guilty to a more serious DWI charge raises the possibility of more severe penalties. As a result, a guilty plea could ensure mandatory minimum jail sentences, excessive fines, and other consequences. Some DWIs become felonies, resulting in longer prison sentences and more serious reputational issues. A felony can also strip away many of your rights as an American citizen. If you are not yet an American citizen, a conviction could even force you to leave the country.

What Kind of Evidence Do You Face?

You should also consider the evidence against you when deciding whether to plead guilty. If the evidence against you seems insurmountable, pleading guilty might make more sense. If the evidence against you seems weaker, you might decide to plead not guilty. Of course, the average citizen may not be able to assess the strength of evidence with much accuracy.

As a result, it makes sense to work with a lawyer when assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Perhaps your constitutional rights were violated by law enforcement without you realizing it. Maybe there was an issue with the Breathalyzer test that you didn’t notice. Speak with a lawyer to determine whether you can challenge the evidence against you, plead not guilty, and pursue positive outcomes.

Can a DWI Defense Lawyer in North Carolina Help Me? 

If you need help deciding whether to plead guilty to a DWI in Asheville, consider speaking with a North Carolina defense attorney. These legal professionals may be able to assess your unique circumstances and recommend a certain course of action. While online research is a positive step, it is difficult to replicate the targeted guidance you’ll receive from a lawyer. Continue this conversation at The Pritchard Firm.

Sources:

 ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/driving-while-impaired

nccriminallaw.sog.unc.edu/dwis-actually-sentenced/