Did you know that 316,032 Americans are arrested every year for being drunk? More than 27% of drivers who are drunk and die in crashes are actually between the ages of 21 and 24.
Driving while drunk is a serious crime that has legal consequences and effects on the person’s life in general. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs holds dangers to oneself or others and can lead to legal actions taken, along with penalties like fines, suspension of license, increase in insurance rates, or imprisonment.
According to drunk driving lawyer John F. Buckley, Jr., the restoration of your license will require you to have an ignition interlock device installed for one year. Said device will not start the car unless the BAC is below the set limit.
Let’s see what legal consequences may arise due to being charged for DUI.
Overview of DUI Laws and Penalties
If you ever get involved in a DUI situation, you need to be knowledgeable of the associated consequences that may follow right away. These laws vary from state to state in nature, and the penalties may include enormous cash fines or suspension of licenses or imprisonment.
First-time offenders may only receive a warning. Meanwhile, repeat violations carry serious punishments, including alcohol education. You must know that a DUI will affect your future. DUI charges impact one’s job opportunities, insurance rates, etc.
According to a criminal defense lawyer in Savannah, one way to prevent any form of punishment whatsoever would be by getting a criminal defense lawyer specializing in defending these types of cases right away. Having a lawyer can prevent unnecessary legal trouble or prison.
Staying informed about DUI laws is just a way of saying that you are indeed concerned about your safety and that of others.
Immediate Consequences of a DUI Charge
The first consequence of a DUI charge may be your arrest, which can lead to a humiliating experience. Your vehicle may be confiscated, resulting in the inconvenience of not having transportation.
The judge may also require you to present in court, which could be very stressful.
You may be penalized and charged, depleting your savings and worrying about your car insurance rates. Temporary license suspensions can be a restriction for you to perform your daily duties.
What you are going through will most probably affect your friends and family, and you start feeling alone. Know that you are not alone. Many others have gotten through comparable incidents and are stronger for it.
There is help available for you so you should never hesitate to look for it.
Long-term Effects on Your Driving Record
The charge of arrest by DUI would temporarily hinder the client’s ability to pursue employment opportunities. This offense will show up on your criminal record for several years, affecting insurance costs, driving eligibility, and even job-related opportunities.
An increase in premium will likely be enforced since you will be perceived as a high-risk individual by the insurance company following a DUI conviction. Besides facing license suspension or restriction, even simple activities can become really challenging to accomplish.
If you apply for a job or try to get some sort of housing, background checks will pick up this arrest record, and the decision-making process may be influenced. Getting an understanding concerning the long-term contributions is critical to help you determine your future and how you would live with your responsibilities in the community.
Options for Legal Representation and Defense
Always weigh the pros and cons of a DUI lawyer against those of a generalist. Take into account the unique characteristics of your case. A lawyer specializing in DUI can bring the needed expertise and help in addressing the intricacies of the judicial process.
If your funds are not enough, a public defense lawyer can be hired. They are good with DUI cases, but their heavy workload might not let them spend a long time with you.
Look for local legal aid services that provide low-cost lawyers. A few legal aid services conduct one-on-one sessions wherein lawyers offer advice rather than acting as the full representative of the client.
Whatever choice you make, never forget to assure yourself of the backing of an attorney through this trying trial.
Rehabilitation Programs and Alternative Sentencing
In some cases, rehab programs and alternatives to the regular sentence foster healing and, in the best case, a new beginning.
These programs look at the factors that bring about the use of substances and come up with interventions in the positive-use area, whether coping skills or support systems. The courts might let community service or counseling or treatment programs take their course before putting someone behind bars, with development as a priority rather than punishment.
The other option presents a way to connect you with others similar to yourself while showing the world that you are making an effort to make a change. You can recover together, earn some esteem, and majorly nurture feelings of belonging.
This approach fosters positive change by connecting you with others who share similar experiences.
