Once Is Never Enough
Feb 24, 2009
Drinking and driving is not a smart thing to do, however many people make that choice. And, doing it one more time might be the ticket to the clinker if you don’t have a thoroughly competent criminal defense lawyer.
“It’s when these people get caught and realize they face some rather serious consequences that they call me,” said Daniel H. Wannamaker of Wannamaker Law, in Austin, Texas. Repeat offenders in Texas, as in those with two convictions, are facing misdemeanors.
“In these cases, I’d prefer the person charged was only seen and not heard. My advice is not say a word to anyone but me,” commented Wannamaker.
It’s good advice too and those that have chosen not to take it find out the hard way – what they said to the police at the scene has a way of coming back and haunting them. “Everything said to a police officer is taken down or recorded for use later,” explained Wannamaker.
“Don’t take the roadside sobriety tests. You don’t have to and if you call me and I get there soon enough, I may be able to have the charges thrown out on a technicality and save your license,” indicated Wannamaker. While this is one option, Wannamaker may be also be able to negotiate a lesser sentence later if the case goes to court.
Conviction means you get assessed for drug or alcohol. If the person does have an addiction problem the judge may offer an either/or scenario – either rehab or jail.
“Three DWI convictions or more is a felony offense, so it makes sense to some people that rehab is the more attractive option,” said Wannamaker. Whether someone is faced with one charge or is on their second or third, this is the time to make a smart move and call a board certified criminal defense attorney, such as Daniel H. Wannamaker of Wannamaker Law in Austin, Texas.