Published by Allen Brown
DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” and it is an offense for driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol beyond what is legally acceptable.
The DUI process is mostly like other criminal cases and involves arrest, testing, and charges. DUI cases are usually technical and complicated, especially when you have to appear in court. This makes it difficult for normal citizens to handle their DUI conduct and defense successfully since they don’t quite understand all that’s involved in a DUI case. And so, they need qualified personnel to advise and help them get through their case.
How Dui Arrests Affect Your Life
Mostly, a DUI conviction will reflect in your criminal records. But how long it is reflected in your criminal records varies with each state. A DUI usually stays in a person’s driving record for five to ten years and three to five years for driving insurance. DUI can have strong impacts on different aspects of your life, like employment and even your relationships. For example, most employees will run a background check on you, making it difficult for you to get a new job or keep your current one.
What To Consider When Hiring A Dui Attorney?
You know the consequences of a DUI case are serious if convicted. It ranges from losing your driver’s license to even serving jail time. This is why you need to hire an attorney. Still, instead of doing it too hurriedly and hiring an incompetent attorney, you should pay attention to certain features before deciding on any DUI attorney to hire. Consider the following before hiring a DUI attorney.
- Do they have experience handling OVI cases in your local area? Make sure your attorney has a history of handling similar cases as yours.
- Do they provide free consultation? You should be able to get free consultations from your attorney. During the consultations, you can discuss your specific case and get a clear assessment of what you can get out of your case.
- Can you afford their rates? The fees they charge should be affordable for you. It will be more convenient for you if your DUI attorney allows flexible payment plans.
- Do you have direct access to your DUI attorney? You need to have direct access to the attorney assigned to your DUI case. For instance, If you are in Oakland, you should hire an Oakland DUI defense attorney, this way you have direct access to him/her and your case can move a lot faster.
- Do you trust your DUI attorney? When you choose the right kind of attorney for your DUI case, you must trust them with handling a case that can have a very serious effect on your life.
Dealing With Dui Charges
If you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, then you need to know certain things about how the legal process works.
A DUI case can be stressful and scary, but knowing what the legal process entails will help you handle this stress. DUI laws vary with each state, so these details may differ depending on the state you are charged.
The Dui Legal Process and Penalties
In a DUI case, you may be charged with driving under the influence and having your blood-alcohol level above what is legally acceptable. However, one charge is usually dismissed if you plead guilty or proceed to trial.
These are the four options on how to approach your DUI charge. With the help of your attorney, you can:
- Plead guilty.
- Plea bargain to a reduced offense.
- Ask for a trial before a judge.
- Demand to be tried by a jury.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense, and this is reflected in the kind of punishment that the guilty person is served. They are not limited to these, but they include:
- Fines range from $500 to $2,000.
- Jail time for the offender (up to one-year incarceration).
- The offender might have to serve time in prison (one year or more incarceration).
- Their driver’s license may be suspended.
- House arrest
- Probation.
- Vehicle impoundment.
How To Help Your Dui Case?
Before your trial, you can do some drug and alcohol assessment and, if possible, treatment.
- Your attorney will usually suggest that you undergo drug and alcohol assessment and treatment if necessary: These assessments and programs are easily available everywhere, including online. These assessments mean you are closer to overcoming drug or alcohol problems if you have any, plus your attorney can use your results from the assessment and/or treatment in discussions with the prosecutor.
- Make sure you have enough money set aside to find your criminal defense: You need to be able to do one test or the other, afford a DUI attorney, and so on. You need to have enough money for that. Keep your schedule flexible for your court dates as you cannot afford to miss your court date or arrive late to the court.
- Engage in community services as you await your trial: Take your attorney’s advice if they ask you to do hours of community services. Your attorney will be able to use this in bargaining favorable conditions for you with the prosecutor.
DUI is a very serious offense. If you are caught up in one, having the right attorney and helpful information will surely help you navigate the situation better.