[GRAPHIC: The Myths about DWI]
JAMES TYNER: There's a lot of bad information out there concerning driving while intoxicated. Don't ever let somebody convince you it's not a serious crime.
When people ask me, "Is DWI a serious offense," I frequently ask them, "How important is your license to you?" That's what's at stake here, your license, your freedom and your liberty.
[GRAPHIC: Photo]
JAMES TYNER: It's important that when you're charged with a DWI, you understand not only what you're facing but what the potential penalties are.
[GRAPHIC: How bad could it be?]
The consequences of being found guilty to a DWI are astronomical. Many people think a DWI is as serious as showing up in court, maybe once, maybe twice, pleading guilty and paying a fine and it's over. That's not the case.
If you plead guilty to a DWI, your insurance goes up. You owe the state money. You have to pay court fines. You're subjected to probation, possibly jail, possibly state prison.
[GRAPHIC: Can I handle this myself?]
JAMES TYNER: The laws are changing. The penalties are changing. And people charged with a DWI need to know what they're up against.
I've been contacted by a number of people who have been convicted of DWI because they try to do it alone or they didn't retain an attorney to help them navigate the process. It's unfortunate, but there are no do-overs. And once you are convicted of DWI, you are convicted for the rest of your life.
[GRAPHIC: But I've Never Been in Trouble Before]
Many people charged with DWI find themselves involved with the criminal justice system for the first time. These people aren't career criminals. It might be their first and only interaction with the criminal justice system. And they feel better knowing they've got somebody by their side to protect their rights and to interpret for them what is usually a pretty complicated process.
[GRAPHIC: What can I expect?]
Many people charged with DWI have never been arrested before. And they ask me, "What can I expect of my attorney?" And I tell them, "From me, you can expect I will investigate your case thoroughly. I will be with you every step of the way. And your case will not conclude until we achieve the best result possible.
We take DWI seriously because we are serious criminal defense attorneys.
[GRAPHIC: Photo]
