A DWI conviction can be incredibly stressful because of all the penalties it comes with, depending on the nature of your offense. This also indicates that you have a few DWI court dates to appear. Charges as severe as DWI and DUI require substantial planning and strategizing, especially when there are court appearances involved.
It’s one of the key reasons why most DWI attorneys advise their clients to take matters seriously instead of trying to brush the charges off. Navigating through the criminal court is a complicated process, primarily because DWI charges can significantly alter the course of your life by impacting your personal relationships, career, money, and future plans.
Considering the lifelong consequences of DWI charges, ensuring that your arraignment and the rest of the court process go seamlessly is crucial. A smooth legal proceeding will ultimately shape your future after a DWI arrest. While your DWI attorney can always guide you through the process, we’ve created a guide to help you prepare for your DWI court date.
Here are some essential tips you should follow.
Dress Appropriately
Many people often fail to realize that how they dress can have an incredible impact on others. In other words, some outcomes are a direct response to a person’s dressing. This means it’s critical to consider your dress and overall appearance when getting ready for your DWI court date.
Choosing appropriate attire for your court date is one of the first rules of learning all the necessary court rules. The point of most court dates is for the judge to determine whether you’re guilty of a crime or likely to commit a DWI offense again.
You have the responsibility to create a good first impression. A decent and professional dress, paired with polite behavior, can go a long way in ensuring a better outcome for your DWI court proceedings.
For men, the ideal dressing choice for their DWI court date would be a pair of dress pants and a collared shirt with a coat. Similarly, women can wear a formal skirt, blouse, and anything that seems professional and minimal.
Understand the Court’s Rules
There are several rules to abide by when you appear for a DWI court date. This includes addressing the judge as “your honor”, avoiding eating or drinking during legal proceedings, staying disciplined at all times, and relying on your DWI attorney for advice because taking any action.
The more respectful you’ll be in the court and with the judge, the easier it will be to contest your case, prove your innocence, and have your charges waived by the judge. Remember to go through the guidelines given to you by your DWI attorney a few days before your DWI court date.
Hire a DWI Attorney
While it’s important to always have a DWI attorney by your side regardless of the severity DWI conviction, you always have the choice to hire one once your DWI court date is around the corner.
DWI cases can become complicated, especially if there are injuries and deaths involved. Navigating through court proceedings and ensuring your fair representation is critical in this process. Therefore, if you’re being charged with a DWI offense, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a reliable and trustworthy DWI attorney.
Even if it’s a first-offense charge with minimal penalties, it’s always better to have your DWI attorney’s assistance to avoid the long-term repercussions of your conviction. Instead of handling your DWI court case on your own, choose an experienced and qualified DWI attorney to help you out.
Their legal counsel will play a significant role in helping you prepare for your DWI court date, make a strong defense, and achieve the most desirable outcome.
Jot Down What Your Lawyer Says
Once you have a DWI attorney to help you out, you must trust their knowledge and expertise and listen to their advice. Whether it’s a recommendation they’re making for a strong defense or guiding you through the principles of the court of law, understand their instructions properly and make sure you note them down.
Listening to your lawyer’s advice can help you avoid a wide range of challenges and hurdles many DWI cases come with.
Determine Your Plea
Among many others, a crucial step in preparing for your DWI court date with your DWI lawyer is to decide on your plea. This usually needs to happen on your arraignment when the judge asks you to enter your plea. Your decision will ultimately decide the next steps for your DWI court case.
If you decide to plead “guilty”, the case will move on to the sentencing stage, where the judge will formally announce your sentence and other penalties associated with the DWI charge. However, if you plead “not guilty”, there’s a high chance you’ll be going to trial to present evidence of your innocence and challenging the prosecution accordingly.
Determining your plea for your DWI court date can be a stressful process. Therefore, it’s always better to take your DWI lawyer’s advice to get the best possible outcomes.
Write Down the Circumstances of the DWI Incident
Another important step for DWI court date preparation is writing down all the circumstances of the DWI incident. Start by going down memory lane and jot down every important thing that happened before, during, or after the DWI arrest.
This will give your DWI lawyer substantial information to prepare for your case and defend you accordingly.
If you’re looking for a DWI attorney in San Antonio to count on when trying to prepare for your DWI court date, make sure you reach out to the The Law Offices of George A. Scharmen. My legal assistance as your DWI lawyer in San Antonio will play a significant role in your adequate legal representation and preventing multiple consequences of a DWI charge in San Antonio. Contact me to learn more today!