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Protecting Clients from Criminal Penalties

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in most states. If you are pulled over for drunk driving, officers will likely test your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you are over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, you will likely be charged with a DUI.

DUI charges are criminal charges that can lead to fines, probation, a license suspension, and even jail time. Penalties like these can have serious consequences on your life, including difficulty finding a job or securing housing in the future. Fortunately, by working with our team of DUI defense attorneys, you can protect yourself from these penalties and reduce or remove the charges you are facing.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. If you have any questions or would like to receive a free consultation, contact the DUI Defense Group today by calling 866-927-3295.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

If officers suspect you of driving under the influence, they will make a traffic stop by pulling you over. Officers will then administer a chemical test via a breathalyzer to measure your BAC. The legal drinking limit is 0.08%, which is measured by a breath test. Officers may also use field sobriety tests to determine whether you are intoxicated. If you are over the legal limit or appear to be under the influence of drugs, you will likely be arrested or detained.

Once you are arrested and charged, officers will send notice of your arrest to the DMV. The DMV has its own process for DUI arrests that are separate from criminal proceedings. A DMV hearing officer will review your case and make a decision about whether to suspend your license. Generally, DUI offenders have their licenses suspended immediately after an arrest.

You can request a DMV hearing for up to ten days after your DUI arrest. At your hearing, a member of our team can provide evidence on your behalf. If you win your hearing, your normal license will be reinstated. Your DMV hearing does not influence your criminal proceedings, and winning the DMV hearing does not necessarily mean you will be acquitted of your charges.

What Are the Potential Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

The criminal penalties for a DUI are severe and can impact your life in many ways. Fortunately, many first-time offenders do not serve jail time, although it is still a possibility.

Below are the most likely consequences of a DUI conviction:

  • Three to five years of probation
  • Six months driver’s license suspension
  • Fines and court fees
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation
  • Three months of a drug or alcohol education program

Most first-time DUI offenders are charged with misdemeanors. However, if your DUI involves bodily injury to another person or death, you may be charged with a felony. Felony penalties are typically more severe and may include a mandatory prison sentence.

What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies for a DUI Charge?

Our team will build you a custom defense strategy based on the nature of your charges and your background. However, there are some common defense strategies that our team may rely on.

The most common defense strategies for a DUI case include:

  • The police did not have probable cause to make a traffic stop
  • The police did not have probable cause to make an arrest
  • You have a medical condition that affects your blood alcohol content results
  • You have a medical condition that could be confused with intoxication
  • Your chemical test results were faulty or skewed

Should I Consult a DUI Defense Attorney?

DUI charges have the ability to impact your life in many negative ways. A DUI conviction can follow you around for years, making it difficult to start a career or maintain personal relationships. By working with our team of DUI defense attorneys, you can protect yourself from these harsh penalties and get the outcome you deserve.

At the DUI Defense Group, we are dedicated to creating personalized legal strategies for all of our clients. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are facing DUI charges. Contact our law office today for a free consultation at 866-927-3295.