DWI – Out of Court Settlements

Drive whilst under the influence (DWI) cases account for approximately 39% of all vehicle fatalities annually in the United States.

As this is such a serious, destructive offence, can or should a case like this be settled out of court.

There have been several DWI cases settled out of court recently, but this is not the norm and one should not treat the offence as a minor infraction.
To avoid prosecution an offender has to follow a certain procedure. Step one; obtain the services of an attorney that has DWI experience.You will then be asked to furnish or submit duplicate of necessary forms, documents, license suspension tickets etc. to a designated office or agency together with a certain amount as filing fee or request fee. Submit release forms or medical records if you have undergone therapy or medication in lieu with the DWI cases.

Then you might be asked to get your Complete Driving Record and your PBJ or Probation before Judgment Driving Record. Afterwards, you would have to sit down with your lawyer so you can discuss with him traumatic or untoward experiences that you’ve had personal information and endeavors that have an effect in your life. Settle mandatory fines upon arrest and if you’re license was suspended or your driving privileges got curtailed, secure a letter of request from your employer or furnish necessary and certified letter or request asking the state to permit you to drive. You can then volunteer in acquiring an Ignition Interlock device to be installed in your vehicle. This device is an alcohol screening tool installed inside the vehicle. If the device detects a blood alcohol concentration that is beyond the stipulated limit, which is .02, the car or the vehicle is prevented from starting. It is strategically installed near the driver’s seat.

Then again, submitting yourself to this Ignition Interlock Program would further convince the court that you are not a harmful driver, but instead, you are someone who thinks about other people’s well-being. You should also enroll or subject yourself into an alcohol treatment or alcohol education program that is available in your state. Don’t worry because this does not necessarily mean that you are admitting the offense. This act could manifest your good faith and most courts are empathetic towards those offenders who display such acts. You also have to submit yourself to community service early on. This could further support your other intentions and the court might once again reconsider these actions before prosecution begins. For those who are members of the military or those who are holding a significant position in the government or state, they could also bring commendations, awards, medals or things that could represent you as a person who have contributed more on the welfare and safety of others.

If the court review your case before trials begin and you were indeed able to establish good faith, most probably the case would be resolved even before you go to court.

By: Charlie Jenkins

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