Everyone makes mistakes. We all learn from our mistakes and move on. However, some mistakes are worse than others. When it comes to drunk driving, there are some common mistakes that people make after a DWI that could have serious consequences on their future. Many people who have never been in the position of drinking and driving don't understand how easy it can be to violate the law and put themselves and others at risk. It's important to remember that a first DWI conviction is always a very serious matter. It could have serious consequences on your personal and professional life, ranging from losing your job or being able to keep it to facing hefty fines and jail time. If you've been charged with a DWI or any other drunk driving related charge in the state of Texas, it's important to remember these mistakes and avoid making them in the future if you want a positive outcome from your case.
Not Taking the Arraignment Seriously
Many people think that since DWI cases are often resolved with a plea bargain that there is little to no consequence to the accused. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are facing a DWI or other drunk driving related charges, you should never underestimate the importance of the arraignment process. The arraignment will be the first official hearing that you will have with your defense attorney. This is also when you will be entering a guilty or no contest plea for the first time. If you don’t take this process seriously, it could have serious consequences on your case. If you don’t show up for your arraignment, miss the chance to speak with your attorney and enter a plea, or otherwise fail to show up, your attorney will likely ask the judge to issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This is a serious mistake and could seriously hinder your defense.
Leaving the Arraignment Without Your Attorney’s Advice
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a DWI in Houston is leaving the arraignment without speaking to their attorney. You should never leave the courthouse without speaking to your attorney. This means hanging up the phone if you get the voicemail and making sure your attorney knows when you’ll be available to talk. The arraignment is the first hearing in your case and could be the first time you and your attorney speak. If you don’t show up, your attorney will be forced to guess at what happened and might not be able to fight for the best outcome for your case. Leaving the courthouse without speaking to your attorney could also seriously affect your defense. Your attorney could have additional evidence or witnesses they want to bring in at the next hearing. If you don’t speak with your attorney, they won’t be able to bring this information to the judge. Leaving the courthouse without your attorney could have serious consequences on your case.
Co-signing a loan or making payments on a friend’s car
It’s important to remember that getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink is not only a criminal act, but also a breach of trust. If you co-sign a friend’s car loan or make payments on their car, you’re putting your credit history at risk. Many people don’t think twice about doing this, but it’s a serious mistake that could have serious consequences on your case. Lenders and insurance companies have access to your credit history and will use it as a factor in determining your premiums. Even a small change in your credit could affect your ability to get approved for a loan or have a certain premium. If you have a history of drunk driving convictions, it’s very likely that you’ll be declined for a loan or have high premiums for insurance. This could seriously hinder your defense.
Failing to show up for court
Like the arraignment, the court date is another hearing that you don’t want to skip. If you fail to show up for court, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This is a serious mistake that could have serious consequences on your case. If you fail to show up for court, the judge will likely issue a bond. This is when the judge decides how much money you must pay to get out of jail while your case is pending. If you don’t show up for court, you could end up with a higher bond. This could seriously hinder your defense. While the judge might be willing to lower your bond if you have a good explanation, it’s important to remember that they can also raise your bond if they think you don’t have a good reason for missing your court date. This could be a serious setback for your defense.
Not hiring an attorney
Another mistake many people make after a DWI in Houston is not hiring a defense attorney. This could have serious consequences on your case. It’s important to remember that your attorney is the one fighting for you throughout the entire case. They are the one who is going to be fighting to get evidence thrown out, to get the charges reduced, and to get you a more favorable outcome than you might expect. Your attorney can also help you avoid making these common mistakes. For example, if you’re facing a hefty fine and have a low-paying job, your attorney can fight to get the fines reduced.
Summary
There are plenty of mistakes people make after a DWI that could have serious consequences on their case. It's important to remember that a first DWI conviction is always a very serious matter. It could have serious consequences on your personal and professional life, ranging from losing your job or being able to keep it to facing hefty fines and jail time. It is important to remember that a first DWI conviction is always a very serious matter. It could have serious consequences on your personal and professional life, ranging from losing your job or being able to keep it to facing hefty fines and jail time.