"What can I do to help prepare for my court date?" This is a common question my clients ask after our initial consultation. There are many steps you can take to prepare for your court date that will help mitigate your sentencing. The purpose of this preparation is to create evidence the demonstrates to the judge that you are not going to be a repeat DWI offender, and that you have control over alcohol. You will have plenty of time after the time you are charged and before your first court date to work your way through the list of recommendations in tis article. Preparation is important.
The worst-case scenario in any criminal context would involve a conviction on the charge (whether by plea or trial). After conviction, there is a sentencing hearing where I will have the opportunity to present evidence about your life prior to the arrest and the steps you have taken since the charge to insure it won't happen again. The judge conducting the sentencing hearing is looking to hear evidence that suggests that you are not going to be charged with a second (or subsequent) DWI.
Carefully read the list below and identify which steps apply to your case. You will want to do everything on the list that helps your case in any way.
Obtain an alcohol assessment. Having an alcohol assessment completed before your court date is a specific mitigating factor at sentencing. Obtaining this assessment is probably the easiest, but also the most important, way to prepare for a DWI sentencing hearing. Contact an attorney or a local alcohol assessment agency for more information.
If your alcohol assessment recommends classes, take them. Follow through with any classes that your assessment recommends. The court will almost always require you to take these classes anyway, so you can show the judge that you are taking initiative by taking the classes before you are required to.
Participate in community service with a non-profit organization. Look up local churches, goodwill, salvation army, etc. Performing community service will demonstrate to the judge that you are a contributing member to society and that you are willing to work your way back to being a productive part of your community.
Attend AA meetings if you have any alcohol dependency. This is practically a requirement if you are going to court on a second DWI charge. It's also important if your alcohol assessment shows some form of alcohol dependency. You can also get an AA sponsor to write a letter to the court outlining your commitment to AA classes and being sober.
Have a period of sobriety prior to your court date. While you could show this by using a continuous alcohol monitoring device, just stating that you have not been drinking since the charge, or for some period of time, helps demonstrate to the judge that you have control over alcohol.
Obtain a letter from your car insurance that says any and all property damage as a result of your DWI accident has been paid. This is absolutely necessary of you cause an accident and damage to another person's car, or if you injure someone. This letter is your way of telling the court that you have taken responsibility for your actions and paid everyone to whom you owe a debt as a result of your accident.
Take advantage of a free legal consultation. While there are many ways to prepare for a court date on your own, don't hesitate to take advantage of a free legal consultation during which an attorney can help you develop an action plan for your case.
The worst-case scenario in any criminal context would involve a conviction on the charge (whether by plea or trial). After conviction, there is a sentencing hearing where I will have the opportunity to present evidence about your life prior to the arrest and the steps you have taken since the charge to insure it won't happen again. The judge conducting the sentencing hearing is looking to hear evidence that suggests that you are not going to be charged with a second (or subsequent) DWI.
Carefully read the list below and identify which steps apply to your case. You will want to do everything on the list that helps your case in any way.
Obtain an alcohol assessment. Having an alcohol assessment completed before your court date is a specific mitigating factor at sentencing. Obtaining this assessment is probably the easiest, but also the most important, way to prepare for a DWI sentencing hearing. Contact an attorney or a local alcohol assessment agency for more information.
If your alcohol assessment recommends classes, take them. Follow through with any classes that your assessment recommends. The court will almost always require you to take these classes anyway, so you can show the judge that you are taking initiative by taking the classes before you are required to.
Participate in community service with a non-profit organization. Look up local churches, goodwill, salvation army, etc. Performing community service will demonstrate to the judge that you are a contributing member to society and that you are willing to work your way back to being a productive part of your community.
Attend AA meetings if you have any alcohol dependency. This is practically a requirement if you are going to court on a second DWI charge. It's also important if your alcohol assessment shows some form of alcohol dependency. You can also get an AA sponsor to write a letter to the court outlining your commitment to AA classes and being sober.
Have a period of sobriety prior to your court date. While you could show this by using a continuous alcohol monitoring device, just stating that you have not been drinking since the charge, or for some period of time, helps demonstrate to the judge that you have control over alcohol.
Obtain a letter from your car insurance that says any and all property damage as a result of your DWI accident has been paid. This is absolutely necessary of you cause an accident and damage to another person's car, or if you injure someone. This letter is your way of telling the court that you have taken responsibility for your actions and paid everyone to whom you owe a debt as a result of your accident.
Take advantage of a free legal consultation. While there are many ways to prepare for a court date on your own, don't hesitate to take advantage of a free legal consultation during which an attorney can help you develop an action plan for your case.
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If you are looking to find the best Charlotte DWI Attorney, then visit Minick Law Firm's website to find the best advice on a DWI Lawyer for you.
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