When someone has been charged with driving while intoxicated after causing an accident that hurt another person, consulting with a DWI lawyer in Ocean City, MD as soon as possible is imperative. Often, people charged with DWI accept the consequences of their actions without fighting the prosecution, especially if this is a first-time offense that did not cause any injury or property damage. Causing a collision leads to more serious charges and potentially more severe penalties.
The View of Maryland Courts
Maryland courts do not take DWI charges lightly. Around 25,000 people are arrested for DWI offenses each year in this state, and some are arrested after causing a tragic accident. A driver who is convicted of causing bodily injury and property damage is likely to face a sentence of incarceration and a hefty monetary fine. Having a DWI lawyer in Ocean City, MD provides aggressive legal defense that can prevent the worst consequences.
Multiple Charges
The person may face multiple charges, depending on the specific factors of the case. The prosecution may levy charges of DWI along with reckless driving. An assault charge may be included, especially if there is any evidence that the driver intentionally caused the collision, perhaps due to anger toward the person in the other car.
A Scary Time
Just after a car crash has occurred and the intoxicated driver sees the flashing red and blue lights, a sense of panic and remorse may feel overwhelming. It’s a terrifying moment as the person realizes the level of trouble they are in. After being released from custody, the individual should get started on finding an Ocean City lawyer quickly.
The prosecution may encourage the defendant to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a more lenient sentence. This may seem like an enormous relief to the person charged with DWI connected with an accident, but consulting with an attorney like Lawyer first is crucial. The prosecuting attorney may be trying to keep new cases off an already swamped court docket, but there also is the chance that the case is not as strong as it would seem.
