While driving on the road a person should vary about the traffic rules, his mental and physical condition as reckless driving or error in judgment could lead to accident risking the lives and property of another individual on the road. In every state driving under the influence or more commonly known as (DUI) is considered a severe ordeal and misdemeanor. A DUI charge is no ordinary offense and if convicted a person would have to pay hefty fines, get his/her license suspended for months, face increased insurance rates, attend mandatory DUI classes and alcoholics anonymous meetings, and possible imprisonment for few months.
When a person is booked for a DUI offense there is a myriad of questions running through his/her head, such as whether you to fend off the charges, arguing with the police officer and what possible sentence would he/she receive. The best thing for a person is to stay calm and consult a professional DUI lawyer would obtain a reduced sentence, get your license back and even get the charges dismissed. A qualified lawyer knows about the DUI laws which are always changing and can better present your case in court to get a reduced penalty. It is also imperative that a person knows about the state laws about DUI as these laws vary from state to state. In many states, the offense is called driving under the influence (DUI), while in some states it is termed as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating under the influence (OUI). But the general rules of DUI laws remain the same, and only difference only happens in the severity of the penalty. It would be unlawful, and a person would be unfit to drive a car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or any other commercial vehicle if:
- The driver is unable to drive the motor vehicle on the road safely due to the intake of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed medicines, and even over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines.
- The level or blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level of the driver is above the defined DUI standards.
A DUI conviction can be a quite overwhelming and uncomfortable experience for an average person as he/she would be looking to pay heavy fines, attend court proceedings, face likely jail time, and get the license revoked. Only an experienced DUI lawyer can save you from all the legal and financial trouble that may be looming over you after a DUI conviction.
The reasons to hire a DUI defense lawyer are:
- Legal knowledge and expertise:
A trained and skilled lawyer would better present your case and rationally answer the questions put forth by the prosecutors and the presiding judge. The lawyer would establish the merits of the case, cover the loopholes and negotiate for a lesser fine or license suspension and even in some cases get your DUI case dismissed.
- A thorough analysis of your case:
Your hired lawyer would represent you adequately in the court of law. The lawyer’s tasks include hearing your side of the story, investigating the facts which include interviewing any possible eyewitnesses, reviewing the prosecutor’s charge and evidence. After covering all the aspects of the case, the lawyer would be you an honest opinion, regarding the possible best or worst case scenarios.
- Plead for reduced penalties:
If the person gets a guilty verdict, the lawyer will pursue a plea bargain to seek minimum consequences of a conviction. The pleas bargain may include reducing fines, use of probation or community service instead of little or no jail time.