DWI is the acronym for “driving while intoxicated,” which is the type of criminal offense that can be extremely damaging to a career. And unfortunately, while a DWI charge is not the same as being convicted of a DWI, the accusation can lead you to being convicted in the court of public opinion. The good news is that you have the ability to prove your innocence and save your career. There are many different forms of evidence that can be used to assert your guilt, but your first step begins with getting in contact with an expert attorney.
Work to Get Ahead of the News to Your Employer
While the police might not directly contact your employer and let them know that you have been charged with a DWI, there are other manners in which your employer could find out. Local newspapers and police blotters regularly list the names, ages, and offenses of those who have been charged with crimes that could put public safety at risk. Some communities also post the mugshots of criminal defendants alongside each story, going even further in identifying the accused. You do not want your employer to find out about your DWI this way. So, talk to your direct supervisor or your contact in human resources about your pending DWI charges, but only after you have conferred with your legal counsel.
Hire Effective Legal Counsel
If you believe that a DWI charge has the potential of negatively impacting your career, then you need the assistance of a legal professional immediately. Industries such as transportation and elder care have a zero-tolerance policy on drug and alcohol related offenses. You could be suspended without pay or terminated, leaving you without medical benefits or the financial resources necessary for launching a good defense. DWI Case Attorney Josh Johnson is highly respected, experienced, and prepared to present a strong case in your defense. Whether you have had past brushes with the law or are facing your first criminal charges, the strength of your legal representation will steer the outcome of the case.
Cooperate Fully with the Investigation
Advocating for yourself will require you to do some potentially uncomfortable things, such as going to your local police station for a voluntary interview. In addition to whatever physical evidence that might be present, the investigators responsible for handling your criminal case will want to collect other evidence. When you cooperate and respond to requests from the police in a speedy fashion, you only help to exonerate yourself. Evidence of your cooperation could ultimately aide in swaying the judge or jury in your case.
A DWI charge can be life changing in various ways, including the future of your career. Rather than simply repeating that you are innocent, you can fight to show that you are innocent. Hire an attorney who can help, and work with the police when they make reasonable requests. Collect the evidence that you and your attorney believe will help to assert your innocence, and take additional steps to prevent you from being accused of DWI again.
