Driving under influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can change your lifein ways you can’t predict, including impact on your job, your future and even your lifeat home. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are charged with either a DUIor DWI offence before these laws get tougher and tougher to overcome due to vigilantefforts by non-government organizations and non-profit organizations, some of whichinclude Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Bikers Against Drunk Driving(BADD).
Though the legal limit for alcohol content in the blood has been reduced over the years,even for under 21-year-old drivers, the laws are only becoming more and more rigid.First time offenders already face severe penalties like mandatory jail time and forcedplacement of ignition interlock devices on top of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Youcar insurance rate could rise at the same time, and you would end up with a criminalconviction resulting in tarnishing your record for the long haul. You need to give yourselfa fighting chance; you need to give yourself the opportunity to be able to overcomeall this. DUI is a very serious offense and you’ve been charged with this, seek legalhelp immediately from a DUI or DWI attorney. This could make all the difference in theoutcome of your case.
Firstly, you need to realize that it’s possible that you may face more than one charge,it’s not only a traffic law that you’ve violated. If you refuse to take the breathalyzertest, the arresting officer has the right to take away your license. Repeat offendersare treated without mercy and charged even more severely, especially those whohave been involved in aggravating circumstances such as an accident. This mayinvolve the payment of a fine up to $10,000, including spending several years behindbars depending on how bad the accident was. Jury trials mostly bring absolutely nosympathy towards drunk drivers because it is perceived as ‘evil’ to be driving after theconsumption of alcohol.
If you have been charged with DUI or DWI, it’s essential that you understand that thisconviction not only affects your life and also the lives of the people you care about likeyour friends, family and co-workers. You not only lose your job but also prospectiveemployment opportunities in the future due to the embarrassing criminal charge on yourrecord. If your DUI lawyer or DWI attorney does appeal for probation or an alternativeconviction, you will still have to undergo grim tasks, but at least you won’t have to rot injail. Alternatives include community service, installing an ignition interlock device whichwould require you to blow into it every single time you wish to start your car, agreeingto random drug testing, spending time confined at home in compliance to electronichome detention, or taking mandatory drug/alcohol education classes even if you haveno history of addiction.
The outcome of a DUI trail can vary to a great degree. It’s essential that you take yourcase very seriously, have access to the right information, and don’t give away moreinformation to the police than you should. The result of your trial can empty your pocket,mess with your mind and never mind your social relations! After arrest, hire a DUIattorney that is qualified to represent you because not all laws that are posted mayapply to your case and your crimes.