Being arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) can lead to a wide range of feelings and emotions such as embarrassment, anxiety, sadness, anger and regret are among them. You may be tempted to pay your fines, take the bus and forget this ever happened.

Unfortunately, OWI is not something you can sweep under the rug and ignore. Failing to mount a defense can result in bigger problems down the road and subject you to unnecessarily harsh penalties. Read on for three reasons you should consider fighting your OWI charge.

1. Law Enforcement Is Not Infallible

Police officers and state troopers are human beings and human beings make mistakes. They are required to follow strict protocols during a traffic stop. Failure to abide by those protocols can result in violations of your constitutional rights. An experienced OWI attorney can examine the circumstances of your arrest and determine whether proper protocol was followed. If it wasn’t, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible.

2. Protect Your Future

In addition to the fines, jail time, administrative fees and increased insurance costs you will be saddled with for your first OWI, having an OWI on your record will result in increased penalties for any future OWI convictions. You cannot predict your future, but you can take actions today that lessen the likelihood of future legal problems.

3. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

The criminal justice system is complicated and intimidating. You may have made a mistake, but everyone deserves a strong defense. Now is not the time to set aside your right to an attorney. An experienced OWI defense attorney can be your advocate throughout the process and limit your exposure to penalties such as fines, jail time and the loss of your driver’s license. You owe it to yourself to speak with a knowledgeable attorney before you make your plea.