Understand the Process and Important Concepts in DUI Law

DUI Law and What To Do

What Is a DUI?

Are you facing a costly DUI? Talk to an attorney who will help you in this delicate situation. Call now or fill out the form below to take wise steps to protect your own interests. Learn more about your DUI law defense options below.

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to serious consequences that change the course of your life.

Also known as DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUI law is the process of being charged with a DUI, going to court with legal representation, and being either exonerated or convicted of the charge with accompanying legal punishment.

Possible Consequences of a DUI Conviction

The sentencing of a DUI conviction varies based on which state you live in, the severity of your DUI incident and whether you already have a DUI on your criminal record. DUI punishments can drastically increase in severity if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Here are some of the possible high costs and common punishments that you may experience if convicted following a DUI arrest.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, count on your sentence including paying fines. Each state has a minimum and maximum fine amount that you may receive. However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage done to property while driving under the influence
  • Whether someone was injured as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • If a child was endangered
  • Any court costs associated with your case

The fines you owe following a conviction can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on your case. Will you face costly jail time?

Jail Time

In several states, jail time is mandatory even for first-time offenders. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in jail. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months of a year in jail. Know that some circumstances can add even more jail time, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be put on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the overall duration. Probation will cost you additional monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program, which teaches you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost you additional fees in addition to the legal fees you already have to pay.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation, where an evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If the evaluator believes that you are dependent on drugs or alcohol, you may be required to enter into a substance abuse treatment program before you can get your license back.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter the state in which you face conviction for a DUI, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for a much longer period of time, or you could have it taken from you for good.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI?

If you face a charge of a felony DUI, you must know what steps you need to take following your arrest. This is what you need to know:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and come up with a defense for your case to fight to exonerate your charges or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws

Each state has unique laws regarding DUI or DWI charges. It is important to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws regarding driving while intoxicated.

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

In most states, you have a period of time following your arrest where you can request a DMV hearing so you can keep your license leading up to your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension. You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your court appearance and arraignment. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will be charged with a DUI and receive your sentencing.

Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced DUI lawyer familiar with this law who can stand up for you in court and clear your name of the charges or significantly reduce the consequences of the charges. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact a DUI or DWI attorney near you today.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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