You were charged with a DUI. Now what? A DUI is a serious charge that can result in plenty of repercussions including costly fines, losing your license, and in some cases, jail time or probation. However, unless you are a celebrity your DUI will never make national news, and there are things you can do to recover from this type of charge. Follow these tips for handling a DUI.
First Things First
If you have been charged but not convicted of a DUI, hire a good lawyer. A good lawyer can help you to fight against a DUI charge and help to minimalize the repercussions should you be convicted. National news stories are often rife with celebrity DUIs and the outcomes. Us regular people often wonder how it is they can walk away from these charges with minimal punishment. The answer is, they have a good lawyer.
Find a good lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the best outcome possible. DUI is a serious charge, and it is not something you should try to fight on your own. Many people have gotten the book thrown at them for their very first DUI/DWI charge. These charges are taken very seriously by the courts. The National Safety Council reports that 90% of vehicle accidents are caused by operator error and a large percentage of those accidents involve alcohol by a driver under the influence of drugs. Don't risk your future, get a lawyer.
Second Thing, Don't Panic
Your DUI may not be on the national news, but just because it is not national newsworthy does not mean it will not have a huge impact on your life. Losing your license can impact every area of your life. National news may not be interested in the fact that you cannot get to work nor can you pick up your kids (if you have any) nor will you be able to get to the doctors or a number of other places, but for you, it can be life-changing.
However, for every problem, there is a solution. For example, if your license has been suspended because of a DUI/DWI, there is still a way you can continue to drive. An Occupational Driver's License sometimes called a Cinderella license allows you to drive during certain hours so that you can work. This limited license does not allow you full privileges, but it is something you should talk to your attorney about.
The Cost
The cost of a DUI/DWI can be tremendous. There are always fines imposed by the court but that is not the only cost. The Department of Motor Vehicles in your state likely has its own fine structure and reinstatement fees that you will have to pay. On average the cost of a DUI/DWI is upwards of $4000 in total.
Prepare to cover the costs should you be convicted, and frankly, if you submitted to a breathalyzer test, it is likely that you will, unless you take the matter to trial. Winning at trial can be difficult when there is scientific evidence (breathalyzer results) involved. One of the most important parts of any trial is the cross-examination of the expert witness. The expert witness in a case of a DUI will be the arresting officer. The expertise of the witness combined with the evidence can influence the jury and the judge's opinion. Your lawyer can help you to make the right decision about whether to take your case to trial.
Follow All the Rules
It is important that you cooperate fully from the moment you are arrested throughout the court case and if you are convicted. How you react will weigh heavily in the outcome of the case. If you are convicted and put on community probation, follow all the rules. If you must take a class, take the class as soon as possible. The quickest way to put all this behind you is to get everything done and out of the way that the court requires.
Your story may not make it into national news but you may have some local backlash to deal with in your own community. Keep your head up and keep moving forward. You can put this situation in your rearview and overcome it.
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