Drunk drivers cause over 30% of traffic-related deaths in the United States. Being arrested for DUI can be frightening and stressful when you’re unaware of your rights and the law. Those facing driving under influence or DUI charges may be unable to think clearly due to presumptions about how the judicial system works. On the other hand, preparing yourself for the legal procedure can make dealing with a DUI charge easier.
Making a decision in a state of panic or without first consulting an expert car accident lawyer can have serious consequences. No matter how strong the prosecution’s case may seem, you have the right to explore other choices to make an informed decision about your future.
State laws administer DUI laws. So details may vary based on your location and age. Here is everything you need to understand if you’re fighting DUI charges for a first offense that did not involve bodily damage or death.
How To Handle A DUI Charge With A Car Accident Lawyer?
After your trial, you need to consider hiring a DUI attorney or having one assigned for you if you cannot pay for your own representation. Remember that DUI laws can differ widely from state to state, so it’s essential to find a DUI or car accident lawyer in Las Vegas who focuses on such laws if you live near the area.
You and your lawyer can discuss potential defense strategies for the DUI charge. This is a list of the more broad alternatives:
- Plead guilty
- Seek a plea bargain with lower charges.
- Solicit a judicial hearing
- Submit a Jury Trial Request
As part of a plea deal, the defense and prosecution may agree to a conviction for reckless driving, also known as a “wet reckless” due to the presence of alcohol in the driver’s system.
As a result of the defendant’s cooperation with the prosecution, the maximum sentence for the lesser offense will be less severe than it would have been otherwise. Keep in mind that some states outlaw the “wet reckless” defense.
Contending With A DUI Charge
You will likely have a tough time clearing your name of DUI or DWI charges in court. Whatever your driving skills, if your BAC is over 0.08 in any state, the police will arrest you for driving under the influence. While your lawyer can argue the results, the odds of success decreases when your BAC was above the limit. However, a skilled DUI lawyer may be capable of helping you avoid conviction if your BAC is below the limit.
An expert car accident lawyer can help you decide whether a judge or jury trial would be more appropriate, given the unique circumstances of your case. The possibility of dropping a DUI case also depends on the DUI regulations in your state, as the elements of a DUI violation might change depending on where you live.
DUI Penalties
Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be severe, even for a first offense, and may include the following:
- Pay anywhere between $500 and $2,000 in fines
- Jail (up to one year sentence)
- Prison (one year or more detention)
- Cancellation of Driver’s License
- Volunteer work
- Probation
- Placement under house arrest
- Activation of the vehicle’s ignition interlock system
- Vehicle impoundment
- Impact program participation
- taking part in a program for treating and preventing drug and alcohol abuse
It’s essential to remember that punishments tend to be harsher if someone was hurt or killed, if the plaintiff’s blood-alcohol level was significantly higher than the legal limit (twice or more), or if it wasn’t their first offense.
Refusal to submit to a chemical test of the urine, breath, or blood can result in license suspension in several states, regardless of the outcome of the DUI case.
What Actions Should I Take After a DUI?
If you know what to do immediately following a DUI arrest, you can preserve your rights and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in court.
1. Submit To The Chemical Test Following A DUI Arrest
In most jurisdictions, a person must submit to chemical testing, and doing otherwise is illegal and penalized by law. A chemical test can determine the amount of alcohol in your blood. Your BAC tells the arresting officer how much alcohol was in your system when the police took you into custody. One has nothing to fear from the chemical test if one has already declined to take field sobriety tests but much to lose by doing so.
2. Get In Touch With A Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer
When facing charges of DUI, you shouldn’t hire a general practitioner or personal injury lawyer. Due to the complexity of the law, you must consult an attorney to represent you in a DUI case. An experienced car accident lawyer is your best bet for winning a DUI case, even if you have additional lawyers representing you.
3. Don’t Discuss Your Case On Social Media
The hearsay laws may or may not allow your online statements to be used against you in court. However, dealing with a DUI charge is a difficult and stressful time. So it’s best to avoid discussing it on social media in case you later come to regret what you said. It’s especially crucial not to discuss it publicly today when so many individuals broadcast their every move on social media.
4. Be Adequately Prepared For Your Court Appearance
Your lawyer may ask you to do various tasks depending on your strategy. If you intend to enter a guilty plea, all you need to do is present your best self and bring any required papers.
On the contrary, a competent DUI criminal defense attorney might be of great assistance if you intend to enter a not-guilty plea. In the event of a DUI arrest, a skilled lawyer can help you document what occurred and collect witness statements.
Conclusion
You’re about to enter a difficult period of your life, but you can make things easier on yourself and improve the outcome by taking the appropriate steps now. Many bad outcomes can result from a DUI charge, including anxiety, worry, potential loss of employment, financial stability, and more. Get in touch with a reputable DUI lawyer in Las Vegas and start detoxing immediately if you find yourself in this position.
Consult a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer In Las Vegas Today!
Bernstein & Poisson will help you with drugged driving or DUI charges in Las Vegas, even if it’s your first offense. Our criminal defense expertise, trial experience, and history in the investigation are invaluable to anyone facing a DUI or DUID accusation. If you’re ever arrested in Las Vegas, Bernstein & Poisson is here to help. You won’t have to worry about paying anything for the first consultation. To make an appointment, please call (855) 605-2959 or fill out the contact form on our website.
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