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Providing Aggressive Defense Strategies for Drunk Driving Charges
Getting a DUI charge can be overwhelming. Even first-time offenders may be facing jail time, expensive fines, a license suspension, and mandatory DUI school. Unlike other traffic violations, DUI charges are criminal charges that stay on your record forever. A DUI conviction can impact your ability to secure housing, find a job, or apply to an educational program.
Fortunately, you are innocent until proven guilty of a DUI charge. By working with our team of experienced DUI attorneys, you can develop a legal defense strategy to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing. It can be tempting to talk to the police or prosecutors on your own without legal representation; however, you are unlikely to get the best outcome without a legal team on your side.
Our team at the DUI Defense Group has extensive experience defending clients from DUI charges. We only handle cases involving drunk driving charges or other traffic-related violations, so we are confident we can help you. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today by calling 866-927-3295.
What Happens When You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving?
Being charged with drunk driving can be frightening, so it helps to understand what could happen after your arrest. If the police pull you over for suspected drunk driving, they will use a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests to determine how intoxicated you are. If you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% or you appear too inebriated to drive safely, you will likely be detained or arrested.
Once you have been charged with a DUI, the police will notify the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV can suspend or revoke your license, depending on the nature of your charges. You can request a DMV hearing to reinstate your license if it is suspended. Our team can help you prepare for this hearing and present evidence in your defense to get your regular license back. We can help you apply for restricted driving privileges if your license remains suspended.
Your DMV hearing is separate from your criminal hearing and has no bearing on whether you will be convicted. After your arrest, you will be formally charged with a DUI. Our team can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to reach a plea bargain that reduces or removes your penalties or charges. If your case goes to trial, we will develop a legal defense strategy to present evidence on your behalf.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a DUI Charge?
Because DUI charges are criminal charges, they carry criminal penalties. Most first-time offenders do not do jail time after a DUI. However, if you have multiple prior DUI convictions on your record or your DUI involved bodily injury to another person, you may serve a mandatory jail sentence.
You could face the following penalties for a DUI charge:
- Three to five years of probation
- Expensive fines and court fees
- Six months driver’s license suspension
- Three months of a mandatory drug or alcohol education program
A judge could also order you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. An ignition interlock device measures your BAC before you can start the car. It also requests that your blood alcohol level be randomly tested during your drive time. If you blow above the legal limit, your car will not start.
Most DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenders. However, if your DUI involved severe injury to another person or caused the death of another person, your charges may be upgraded to a felony. Felony charges often involve jail time and can even include a prison sentence. If you have been charged with a felony DUI, contact our experienced legal team immediately.
How Can You Defend Against Drunk Driving Charges?
While drunk driving charges can feel overwhelming, the good news is that they can be defended against. Your specific defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges and your history. However, there are some common defense strategies for DUIs that our team uses often.
Below are the most common ways to defend against drunk driving charges:
Lack of Probable Cause
Law enforcement officers must have probable cause to stop your vehicle for a suspected DUI. In most cases, an individual must be speeding, excessively braking, swerving, or driving dangerously to be stopped. If the police did not have probable cause, our team could argue that your arrest was unlawful.
Police Procedural Error
Police officers are required to follow strict procedural steps during an arrest or detainment. If your rights were violated in any way or the police neglected their duties, our attorneys could attest that your arrest was illegal.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions like diabetes and mental health issues can mimic the signs of intoxication. Similarly, some medical conditions like GERD and acid reflux can skew the results of a blood alcohol content test. Our team can present medical evidence in your defense to explain your behavior or test results.
What Can a DUI Attorney Do for Me?
DUI charges have the ability to impact your life in many ways. A DUI conviction on your record can make securing housing, finding a job, or maintaining professional relationships difficult. The best way to protect yourself from these harsh penalties is to work with a team of experienced DUI defense attorneys.
At the DUI Defense Group, we are dedicated to fighting for our clients and getting them the outcomes they deserve. Whether you are a first-time offender or have a criminal history, we are confident we can help. Contact us today by calling 866-927-3295 for a free consultation.