If a law enforcement officer pulls you over under suspicions of intoxicated driving, he or she might arrest you. After that, you will have to undergo the tedious and scary process of remaining in custody until the law enforcement officers bring the charges against you. They might set the bail right away, you or your friends and family might have to contact a bail bond for your temporary release. However, that is all the beginning of a DWI case.
Knowing what to expect during a DWI case in NY can help you make the right decisions from the very beginning. You may not understand it right now, but a DWI trial is one of the most critical turning points of one’s life, and you need the best legal aid possible well before the trials begin.
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Can your lawyer help before and during the arraignment?
The first time you will face the judge is during your arraignment. It is the formal reading of all the charges the law enforcement has brought against you. During your arraignment, the judge will also ask you how you plead. You will need a smart and experienced DWI lawyer during your arraignment to explain the charges, and their consequences before you plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” It should be your attorney’s responsibility to plead “not guilty” and propagate the case towards trials Learn more.
Why is expert help necessary for opening statements?
During a jury trial, your attorney and the state will both present opening statements in front of the judge. It is optional, and many choose to omit the step if a jury is absent from the scene. However, if you have requested a jury trial, it is advisable not to skip the opening statement. Inexperienced people might say otherwise, but the verdict of a case depends significantly on the opening statement of the defendant’s lawyer.
What more to expect during the trial?
Upon the conclusion of the opening statements, the prosecution will present the evidence against you. The court is likely to call upon the witness. Both the prosecution and defense will get the chances to question the witness. The process of examination and cross-examination is critical for the future of a DWI accused. Only a DWI lawyer with experience will know which questions to ask and what facts to stress upon.
How can a DWI lawyer help you prepare for the testimony?
The prosecution is also likely to call you to take the stand around this time and question you. Your DWI lawyer is likely to prepare for all the questions the prosecution might ask. Your testimony in court will be one of the deciding factors in your trial. Without the help of an expert DWI lawyer and his or her team, preparing for the testimony properly is almost next to impossible. DIY-ing a DWI case is a bad idea, and going to a DWI lawyer will help you understand the gravitas of the situation.
A good DWI lawyer will teach you to remain professional in court, answer questions respectfully, remain quiet when necessary, and maintain a calm demeanor at all the trying times. These are facts that can influence the judge and the jury positively during the trial.
