Charged With A DUI? 3 Things You Need To Know

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are among the most common criminal charges in the United States. And while each state has its own specific laws when it comes to DUI/OVI and similar crimes, one universal fact remains: a DUI conviction on your record can have a serious impact on your life. If you've recently been arrested and charged with DUI or a similar crime, it's important that you understand the severity of the situation as well as which steps you can take to protect your rights.

Possible Repercussions

Start by taking some time to familiarize yourself with the repercussions for a DUI conviction in your state if you haven't done so already. In most states, conviction sentences can vary greatly depending on how far you were above the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit and whether or not this was your first offense. Even if this was your first offense, however, there is a good chance you'll face thousands of dollars in fines if convicted, as well as a suspension of your driver's license, jail time/probation, and possibly alcohol rehabilitation requirements.

If this is not your first offense, sentencing can be even more harsh--especially if your charge is for felony DUI rather than misdemeanor. In some cases, you could have your driver's license permanently revoked and spend time in prison.

Potential Defenses

It's also important to understand that there are legal defenses for DUI and OVI. For example, depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you may be able to make the claim that the police officer did not have probable cause to stop you or arrest you in the first place. Of course, these claims and defenses can be difficult to prove in court, which closely relates to the next vital point.

The Importance of Working With an Attorney

Having an experienced DUI/OVI attorney representing you through every step of the legal process is the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your rights, and your best interests. A DUI attorney, like Robert A Murray, may be able to use the above legal defenses to have your charges reduced or even dropped altogether. Not to mention, he or she will be able to provide you with the legal guidance you need during this stressful time.

Being charged with a DUI can be a scary and stressful experience, but by knowing what to expect and having the right legal team to represent you, you can get through this.


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