You need to get home from this party before it gets too late. In the back of your mind you know you shouldn’t be behind the wheel but, well, your thinking ability is impaired and you do it anyway. Next thing you know you’re walking the line with a flashlight in your eyes and a man in uniform on the other end. You stumble and now you’re being placed in handcuffs and read your rights. He places you in the back of the squad car and you’re left wishing you had taken a taxi.
You recall the police officer mentioning the right to an attorney. How much is that going to cost? How do I find the right one? Can he get me off? There are countless questions when something as serious as a DWI offense is concerned and price is always a huge one. After some review it becomes clear that DWI law is confusing, complicated and in constant flux. Understanding the core concepts is challenging enough much less the nuances of DUI law. The big question is always going to be whether hiring an attorney can get the case dismissed. Well, without one your chances or dismissal or sentence reduction are severely diminished.
Only a skilled DUI lawyer in your state will know the best ways to defend the charges against you. Luckily, every state has experienced lawyers who specialize in this complicated field of law. Should you hire an attorney for your DUI legal issues? You really cannot afford not to! There are tactics specific to each state that attorneys will employ to reduce or dismiss charges against their clients. They also are acquainted with other legal professionals (including the judge) who are working your case.
All U.S. states have severe DUI penalties for a blood alcohol content (BAC) past a certain limit (usually 0.8). “From having your car impounded, town services, or possible jail sentences, punishment can be harsh,” warns Pete Verillo, a Newark Attorney. You may lose your job because you cannot drive while incurring heavy fees costing upwards of $5,000. Even if it’s a first offense you may lose your license and have trouble getting insurance again. You may also be forced to attend driving safety classes on your own dime. Traveling across state lines may also be restricted keeping you away from your loved ones. If there’s a chance that charges can be dropped or reduced, you should reach out to an attorney in your area.
In every state, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. Your BAC can be determined through chemical testing from your blood, breath or urine. Every state also has an Implied Consent Law, which means that if you have a driver’s license, you’ve consented to submitting to a chemical test if properly asked by police. If you refuse a chemical test, you could face harsher consequences. Your DUI lawyer will explain and also investigate if your chemical tests were conducted properly. If not, your test results may not hold up in court.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI and need legal advice, visit us Newark Attorney to learn how we can help.