Millions of Americans are affected by drunk driving each year. Whether they were guilty of driving drunk or were a victim of a drunk driving accident, a huge burden falls on each person involved. Driving after consuming any amount of alcohol is never a good idea, but surpassing your state’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level could land you in a lot of legal trouble. Each state has their own rules and penalties. It is important to know the rules for your state before you get behind the wheel.
Getting charged for driving under the influence (DUI) can have an extremely negative impact on all aspects in your life. Jail time, expensive fines, and license suspension are just a few of the consequences of drunk driving. There are many factors that are considered when you are standing before a judge. Of course, things like property damage, number of people involved, and whether or not this is a first offense can determine the level of punishment. Hiring a lawyer to represent you in court is a great option to consider if you have been charged with driving under the influence. Should you be found guilty, hiring a DUI lawyer can be essential in making sure your punishment is way less gruesome. Representing yourself in court often gets you nowhere when fighting against the criminal justice system and is not recommended.
Among several benefits of hiring a DUI lawyer, one of them includes being able to negotiate terms and reduce your jail sentence. Community service time is often required after being released from jail; It could potentially be worked out so that you are released from jail sooner and have more time doing community service.
It is no secret that any run-in with the justice system will cost your wallet a pretty penny. Negotiating charges and getting a fine lowered is another way that a lawyer could help you. Getting a charge dropped usually does not come without a cost. There might be a class to attend or even probation time in place of your initial charge. Depending on the state and their legal BAC limits, a lawyer could argue to lower your charge if a breathalyzer reads close enough to that legal limit. Several things can be argued in order to get a charge reduced, as long as you have a lawyer.
Needless to say, getting charged with a DUI can be a huge price to pay. You run several risks when you get behind the wheel after drinking. Though hiring a DUI lawyercan cost thousands, it is best to pay whatever it takes so that you can create a better future for yourself. Several studies show that representation in court can lower charges, fines, and jail time. In some cases, it may even be possible to avoid license suspension. If you have ever wondered whether or not hiring a DUI lawyer is worth the money, yes — it is extremely worth it.
