Drugs and alcohol can drastically impact your life. They can cause problems at work, at home, and in your relationships. But what about when you’re faced with a DUI charge? Is it worthwhile to hire a DUI attorney?
A DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and work with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
If you do not have a lawyer, you may be guilty of DUI and face jail time, a steep fine, or probation. A DUI lawyer can make sure that your wrongdoing doesn’t haunt your future forever.
What is DUI?
Driving Under Influence (DUI) is a severe offense that can have lasting consequences. The United States classifies it as a misdemeanor offense. A DUI offense results from driving with a blood alcohol (BAC) level above the legal limit.
Depending on the state, the legal limit is usually 0.08. You may be subject to fines, jail time, license suspension, and more if caught driving with a BAC level above the legal limit. In some states, you might also need an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
So it is vital to understand the risks before you get behind the wheel. If you are guilty of DUI, call a skilled DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. They may also help cut the negative impact on your future.
The Truth About Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol can impair a person’s ability to drive. They slow reaction times, cloud judgment, and cause people to make poor decisions. That’s why driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
But, many people still choose to do it. Every day, people get behind the wheel after using drugs or alcohol. People also lose their lives or suffer injuries in DUI collisions every day.
In the United States, almost 29 people die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This translates to one passing away every 50 minutes. So, driving under drugs or alcohol is a severe crime.
The truth is that drugs and alcohol use is a significant problem on our roads. You risk yourself and others if you choose to drive after using drugs or alcohol.
How to Handle a DUI Case
If you face a DUI charge, it is crucial to know how to handle the situation well. A DUI can have serious consequences, including jail time, a loss of driving privileges, and heavy fines. But, there are ways to cut the damage a DUI can cause.
When charged with DUI, you should first contact an experienced DUI attorney. A drug crimes defense attorney will be able to help you understand the charges against you and what you can do to fight them.
Next, you will need to gather evidence to support your defense. This can include witness statements, video footage of the traffic stop, and other evidence showing you were not driving under the influence.
Once you have gathered all the needed evidence, your attorney will prepare your defense and present it to the judge or jury. After your drug crime defense attorney has presented the case, you will have room to argue your innocence. This includes the hearing on whether you should go to trial.
Although it may seem like a good idea to save money by arguments against a DUI charge, this is not always the best solution. Court costs can add up, especially if you face serious charges.
In addition, If you lose an argument in court, you could still face jail time, driving privileges revocation, and heavy fines even though you were fighting the charges against you.
Hiring a Driving Under Influence (DUI) Lawyer
If you are guilty of DUI in a complex case or have a previous DUI charge, it is probably in your best interest to hire a DUI attorney at the earliest.
If caught driving while impaired, you could face jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and high insurance rates. DUI lawyers advise that if you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Also, drug charges attorneys suggest that you check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is safe to drink alcohol while taking prescribed drugs.
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe. In addition, DUI cases can be complex and it can be challenging to navigate the legal system without an attorney.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you fight your DUI charges. The DUI lawyer will likely represent the prosecutor, so you may fail if you try to stand up for yourself.
Tips for Hiring a DUI Lawyer
Experienced criminal defense lawyers review the facts of your case and explain your legal options. They will stand beside you every step of the way for the best possible outcome for your case.
The right lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Here are a few tips to help you find a DUI lawyer:
1. Ask Around
Talk to friends, family, and co-workers to see if they know anyone who has been in a similar situation.
2. Look for Reviews
Once you have a few names, research to see what other people have said about their experience with the lawyer.
3. Schedule a Consultation
Once you have narrowed it down to a few lawyers, schedule a consultation so you can get to know them and decide if they are the right fit for you.
To Wrap Things Up
DUI lawyers play an important role in our justice system. They help to protect the rights of those accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The person termed to be driving under the influence doesn’t always have to be at fault. You could have had your drink involuntarily spiked by someone else. The accuracy of the breathalyzer could be off. Or you might have driven despite alcohol consumption due to an emergency.
DUI cases can be challenging, but an experienced DUI lawyer can help to navigate the legal system.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, it is vital to contact a qualified DUI lawyer.