All you need to know about DUI offenses
Among the top three causes of road accidents in the United States is drunk driving, just after distracted driving and over speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents occur every ten seconds within the US borders. This translates to nearly one person losing a life every 12 minutes or being charged for reckless driving, drunk driving or over speeding.
Over the years, there has been rapid awareness of the devastating effects of DUI offenses. While alcohol is the key culprit in this category, all the other abused substances including prescription drugs belong here. These drugs reduce the driver’s concentration, coordination, and perception behind the wheel. Research has shown that the severity of injuries reported increases with higher alcohol consumption and if the driver had abused the other hard drugs.
Should you call a DUI Lawyer yet?
DUI charges start with flashing lights and some basic conversation before things begin to escalate. Knowing when to contact a DUI lawyer is very crucial. Before you take that breathalyzer test, you probably know the outcome. If you’ve been getting social the whole night and drinking heavily with friends, you’ll definitely need some legal representation. Once you're asked to step out of your car for an alleged arrest for DUI, make an effort to call your DUI defense lawyer. In the event of police interrogation- know that it's your basic right to remain silent.
Types of DUI Charges
DUIs cases vary greatly by state and can involve both civil and criminal punishments. Below are the common DUI charges you should be aware of.
Misdemeanor DUI
More often, first, second and third-time offenders arrested for drunk driving within a 10-year period are charged with misdemeanor DUI. First offense results in fines of up to $1000, 6 months jail time & license revocation and months of probation. Second and third time DUI offends, on the other hand, attracts harsher penalties. These include license revocation for up to 10 years and up to one year of jail time.
Felony DUI
If you’re charged with a DUI with injury or four drunk driving offenses in a ten year period; you’ll attract felony charges. Without proper representation, stiffer penalties such as license revocation for as many as 10 years and up to a year of jail time are guaranteed.
DUI with injury
In certain states, DUI with injury is classified as a wobbler and the penalties depend on the circumstances at hand. This means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Driving under influence involving injury often attracts serious penalties. A third DUI offense with injury, for example, will have you classified as a habitual traffic offender and will see you in state prison for up to four years.
Driving under influence or driving while intoxicated can be classified into several offenses and it all depends on various aspects. The other types of DUI include DUI with drugs, wet reckless, underage drunk driving, etc.
Why you need a DUI Lawyer
Calling your attorney in time will not only help you get the right advice on which action to take but will also let him/her begin the procedures of bailing you out. your DUI lawyer will help you file all the necessary documents and will follow up with building a viable defense while persuading the prosecution to drop or reduce the DUI charges. Where possible, he/she will also prevent your driving license from being suspended.
In most states, you’ll have limited time to appeal for your license revocation once you've been charged with a DUI offense. This makes it necessary to contact a smart DUI lawyer as early as possible.
Regardless of the offense listed against your name, seeking advice from a reputed DUI attorney is a no-brainer. Many offenders make the mistake of letting fate decide their destiny. They get ready to walk into the courtroom unrepresented. This is a suicide mission you won't want to get yourself into.
Conclusion
DUI laws often vary from one state to another. A DUI case can attract various penalties and this gets complicated as more charges are pressed your way. In the absence of a DUI attorney, things can go from bad to worse. It’s hard to navigate all the traps and convictions alone without the intervention of an experienced lawyer. The latter will exploit the legal loopholes to your advantage and you’ll have better chances of winning a DUI trial.
Among the top three causes of road accidents in the United States is drunk driving, just after distracted driving and over speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents occur every ten seconds within the US borders. This translates to nearly one person losing a life every 12 minutes or being charged for reckless driving, drunk driving or over speeding.
Over the years, there has been rapid awareness of the devastating effects of DUI offenses. While alcohol is the key culprit in this category, all the other abused substances including prescription drugs belong here. These drugs reduce the driver’s concentration, coordination, and perception behind the wheel. Research has shown that the severity of injuries reported increases with higher alcohol consumption and if the driver had abused the other hard drugs.
Should you call a DUI Lawyer yet?
DUI charges start with flashing lights and some basic conversation before things begin to escalate. Knowing when to contact a DUI lawyer is very crucial. Before you take that breathalyzer test, you probably know the outcome. If you’ve been getting social the whole night and drinking heavily with friends, you’ll definitely need some legal representation. Once you're asked to step out of your car for an alleged arrest for DUI, make an effort to call your DUI defense lawyer. In the event of police interrogation- know that it's your basic right to remain silent.
Types of DUI Charges
DUIs cases vary greatly by state and can involve both civil and criminal punishments. Below are the common DUI charges you should be aware of.
Misdemeanor DUI
More often, first, second and third-time offenders arrested for drunk driving within a 10-year period are charged with misdemeanor DUI. First offense results in fines of up to $1000, 6 months jail time & license revocation and months of probation. Second and third time DUI offends, on the other hand, attracts harsher penalties. These include license revocation for up to 10 years and up to one year of jail time.
Felony DUI
If you’re charged with a DUI with injury or four drunk driving offenses in a ten year period; you’ll attract felony charges. Without proper representation, stiffer penalties such as license revocation for as many as 10 years and up to a year of jail time are guaranteed.
DUI with injury
In certain states, DUI with injury is classified as a wobbler and the penalties depend on the circumstances at hand. This means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Driving under influence involving injury often attracts serious penalties. A third DUI offense with injury, for example, will have you classified as a habitual traffic offender and will see you in state prison for up to four years.
Driving under influence or driving while intoxicated can be classified into several offenses and it all depends on various aspects. The other types of DUI include DUI with drugs, wet reckless, underage drunk driving, etc.
Why you need a DUI Lawyer
Calling your attorney in time will not only help you get the right advice on which action to take but will also let him/her begin the procedures of bailing you out. your DUI lawyer will help you file all the necessary documents and will follow up with building a viable defense while persuading the prosecution to drop or reduce the DUI charges. Where possible, he/she will also prevent your driving license from being suspended.
In most states, you’ll have limited time to appeal for your license revocation once you've been charged with a DUI offense. This makes it necessary to contact a smart DUI lawyer as early as possible.
Regardless of the offense listed against your name, seeking advice from a reputed DUI attorney is a no-brainer. Many offenders make the mistake of letting fate decide their destiny. They get ready to walk into the courtroom unrepresented. This is a suicide mission you won't want to get yourself into.
Conclusion
DUI laws often vary from one state to another. A DUI case can attract various penalties and this gets complicated as more charges are pressed your way. In the absence of a DUI attorney, things can go from bad to worse. It’s hard to navigate all the traps and convictions alone without the intervention of an experienced lawyer. The latter will exploit the legal loopholes to your advantage and you’ll have better chances of winning a DUI trial.
Folsom DUI Attorney, 850 Iron Point Rd, Folsom, CA 95630