If you have just gotten a new car and you are about to drive on the roads for the first time, you should know that in most states, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offense. Yes – you read this right. DUI is a serious misdemeanor, which is why you shouldn’t consider it an ordinary traffic interaction. What this means is that a DUI will then be treated like any other punishable crime in the country.
Read on to learn more.
What Are the Legal Penalties of A DUI
Since we have already established that a DUI is a serious crime, you should know that the penalties vary and depend on the circumstances that you are in. You can expect a penalty that can be six months or even a year. Fines are also part of the consequences of getting caught by a DUI. You can expect the authorities to confiscate your driver’s license.
Depending on the severity of your case, you might be obliged to attend a DUI education program or complete community service as decided by the court.
You Can Call A Criminal Defense Law Attorney
If you have been charged with DUI, you have the right to call a criminal defense law attorney as a DUI is a serious crime. You should know your fundamental right to contact an attorney. If you cannot, the court will appoint you an attorney. Getting a public defender is also quite familiar with things related to DUI and DUI defenses; however, due to the caseload that public defenders have, you might want to get a private lawyer.
You Can Get A DUI Defense Lawyer
The penalties of a DUI depend on the severity of the crime. Of course, your first step should be to contact a dui defense lawyer, as the law expert will assess your case and try their best to reduce your penalty or jail time. If you are innocent, the lawyer will help you get the case dismissed so that you don’t have a criminal record in your name.
Rest assured, the DUI attorney will help you get legal advice, review your case, and develop the right defense strategies. The attorney will do their best to help you get the best possible outcome for you.
When is DUI Dealt with As a Felony
Since the law varies from one state to another, you should know that your DUI might be dealt with as a felony. For instance, if you have been charged with previous DUI convictions, then this DUI charge will be considered a felony. If you have caused an accident resulting in an injury due to intoxication, your case will be prosecuted as a felony. If you were drunk driving and you caused someone’s death, you will be charged with manslaughter. Also, if you had a child with you in the car at the time of getting arrested for a DUI, your case would be prosecuted as a felony.
On that note, it is in your best interest to avoid drunk driving at all costs, or else you might lose your driver’s license and job.