In addition to the minimum jail sentences, fines, and a suspended license, the judge may order you to attend a Victim Impact Panel if you've convicted of Driving While Intoxicated. According to Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law, a Rochester, NY, DWI lawyer with decades of experience, these panels are intended to illustrate the human costs of risky behavior and hopefully convince offenders that driving while intoxicated is never worth it.

Victim Impact Panels typically involve presentations by those who have lost loved ones in car accidents caused by drivers who were drunk or on drugs, as well as victims who have been permanently disfigured and others who have been personally affected. Not only do these panels give victims a chance to tell their stories, they also give offenders and members of the public a chance to see the damage their actions could inflict on others.

Hearing these stories and seeing the results of intoxicated driver-related accidents firsthand often instills offenders with a sense of empathy towards the victims. DWI lawyers and the courts believe that, in many cases, having someone attend a Victim Impact Panel in their community will help prevent these tragedies and avoid further offenses more effectively than the threat of punishment from law enforcement can do.

If you've been accused of a DWI, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney who will make sure your rights are protected through every step of the process. Visit Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law online to learn more about his decades of experience and track record of success. You can also call (585) 546-5072 to schedule a consultation with a respected DWI lawyer today.