Learn about your constitutional rights as a DWI defendant

It is true that most DWI defendants in Waco, TX, do not take their cases to trial. In many instances, these defendants only want to conclude their journey through the judicial system as quickly as possible. Other times, defendants view their charges as minor and fail to defend themselves properly.

At one time in the distant past, those arrested on DWI charges may have gotten no more than a slap on the wrist. However, times have changed along with the way authorities respond to alleged drunken driving. Now, even a first DWI arrest can have serious consequences. For example, a first offense means losing your driving privileges for up to 90 days.

One of the things we have learned in our time serving residents across Texas is that defendants often forget about the rights they have under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If you are innocent and wish to see your case through to a trial, these rights can protect you.

Three Sixth Amendment rights critical to your defense

Your rights are likely broader than you realize. They include:

  • Compelling the prosecution to prove its case: A trial means that the state must show a jury that you were guilty. A lack of evidence on the prosecution’s part may sway the members of a jury to decide in your favor.
  • Calling witnesses: A trial may offer you the opportunity to call forth witnesses that can corroborate your side of the events. With guidance from an experienced trial lawyer, this can help the jury form a more complete picture of exactly what happened in your case.
  • Confronting state witnesses: The prosecution also has the right to provide witnesses, but the Sixth Amendment gives you the right to confront these witnesses. In many cases, the state’s case may crumble during such a confrontation.

To go to trial or not is your decision, but it serves your best interests to know your rights before making the choice. Please, continue reading our website for more about defending yourself against DWI charges.

RSS Feed

FindLaw Network