After being arrested, fingerprinted, and placed in a holding cell, you might ask yourself: “Can I get out of a DUI?” These types of charges are extremely serious, and they are unlike any other traffic infractions or violations you will ever experience. Getting out of a DUI can be a somewhat complicated process, but it will always be worth your time and energy. An experienced attorney can show you how to get out of a DUI as quickly and affordably as possible so that you can move on with your life. Here is a closer look at why beating a DUI is necessary and some popular methods that can be used to reduce your charges or have them dropped entirely.
Why Is Beating a DUI So Important?
There are a few different reasons why getting out of a DUI is going to positively impact your life. Many drivers don’t realize just how serious these charges are and what penalties they are going to face if they are convicted. The average driver doesn’t know how to get out of a DUI on their own, and that means there is a very good chance they will be convicted if they don’t work with an experienced attorney. In some locations, even first-time offenders will end up paying thousands of dollars in court fines and DMV fees. While those expenses might seem overwhelming, your new insurance premiums could be staggering as well. Some drivers end up paying thousands of dollars extra every year for the same insurance policies they had before.
Getting out of a DUI will also allow an individual to retain their license. In most states, a mandatory license suspension will take place if a driver is convicted of these charges. Those who refuse to take the chemical BAC test while they are being arrested might have their license suspended on the spot. Repeat offenders often have their licenses permanently revoked, and that penalty could change the course of your life for many decades to come. Getting out of a DUI with an airtight case could also help you avoid spending weeks in jail or hours doing community service. Not only are these convictions expensive, but they can also be quite time-consuming.
Can I Get Out of a DUI?
No matter how hopeless your case might seem, getting out of a DUI is always a possibility if you have an experienced lawyer working closely alongside you. Even if the charges are not dropped entirely, your attorney might be able to put together a very compelling case. In some states and counties, a judge can reduce a DUI to a “wet reckless” or reckless driving charge if the evidence is not compelling enough. Before entering any plea at your arraignment, you should first schedule a free consultation with an attorney to take a closer look at all of your options.
During and After Your Arrest
What you say and do in the days following your arrest can have a major impact on your case. During the traffic stop itself, you should say as little as possible to the police officer. Getting out of a DUI is much more difficult if you try to talk your way out of the charges and accidentally incriminate yourself. Beating a DUI is always going to be a complicated process, and drivers shouldn’t make the situation any worse by arguing with the officer or refusing to follow their commands.
Once the law enforcement officer believes that they have sufficient evidence to charge you, they will then officially arrest and book you. This process can take quite some time depending on how busy the agency is. Throughout this process, you must remember that getting out of a DUI is going to be extremely difficult if you refuse to be fingerprinted or submit to a chemical BAC test. You might even receive further penalties such as having the DMV suspend your license for a minimum of one year.
Contacting a Lawyer
As soon as you have access to a phone or pay bail, you must immediately find a local attorney who specializes in DUIs. Without a legal representative, getting out of a DUI is going to be a long and expensive process that will most likely end in a conviction. From the moment that you first consult with an attorney, you will be given vital information such as which forms you need to fill out and how to schedule your first DMV hearing. Many drivers never even consider contacting an attorney due to financial concerns, but most lawyers offer free consultations to those who are facing these charges. Once you have hired the attorney, you can begin the process of building your case and fighting the DUI.
Getting Out of a DUI With a Solid Case
Even information that doesn’t seem to be relevant to your case could actually make all the difference when it comes time to stand before a judge. Getting out of a DUI entirely is going to require an exhaustive look at information such as what took place during the traffic stop, how the officer acted, and when the breathalyzer was last calibrated. Law enforcement officers must follow very specific rules when making an arrest and charging a driver with a DUI, and failing to adhere to those rules could result in the case getting thrown out.
Beating a DUI will be much easier if the driver was arrested at an illegal DUI checkpoint. These checkpoints are currently legal throughout the country, but they can only be established in certain locations. Once the checkpoint is set up, all of the officers involved must continue to follow specific rules. Whenever those rules are broken, getting out of a DUI is going to be a much more straightforward process. All of these issues must be called into question in order to make an airtight case.
Reducing the Charges
In some instances, getting out of a DUI is going to be completely impossible. Luckily, many judges will work with drivers and their legal representatives to reduce the charges and penalties. While no one wants a “wet reckless” on their record, these charges are nothing compared to a full DUI. Not only are the fines and fees lower, but you should also be able to keep your license. Those who have their charges reduced can avoid some of the worst penalties by taking DUI or sobriety classes. The judge and district attorney might be inclined to offer you a plea bargain so that they don’t have to spend countless hours coming up with a case against you.
Moving on With Your Life
DUIWise works with attorneys throughout the country who are ready to help their clients navigate through these proceedings. While it might seem easier to simply plead guilty and accept the penalties, having this type of blemish on your record could end up affecting your career and social life. Whenever you apply for a loan or turn in a resume, you will most likely be asked about your DUI. Some landlords and employers refuse to work with anyone who has been convicted of these types of charges.
There is no reason for you to leave your DUI case up to chance. Even if you admitted guilt or refused to take the chemical BAC test, you might still be able to build a strong case to have your charges reduced. Your attorney is going to pour over all of the information and evidence in order to help you create the best possible case. Within just a few weeks of being arrested, you might be able to beat these charges and finally move on with your life. Those who fail to contact an attorney will most likely face years of harsh penalties ranging from sobriety classes and community service to skyrocketing insurance premiums and time in prison.