Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol can be a serious situation. This type of criminal charge can carry punishments that are far more severe than many people may anticipate. If you are to better understand this particular risk, you may need to learn more about these charges as well as the steps for minimizing your risk of encountering this legal problem.
Is Your License Revoked Immediately at the Time of Arrest For the DUI?
A common assumption among many people is that your license will automatically be revoked at the time of your arrest for the DUI; yet, this is not the case for most states. Rather, there will be a formal process for reviewing the charges against the driver and ruling whether to suspend or revoke the license. In many instances, your attorney may be able to petition to challenge these charges, which can help to prevent your license from being revoked or may at least delay this process.
Should You Simply Plead Guilty If You Believe You Were Driving Under the Influence?
After being arrested and charged with a DUI, there are some individuals that will simply assume they should plead guilty. This belief can stem from the idea that there is little that can be done to fight the charges. Yet, an attorney may be able to defend you against these charges in a number of ways. For example, it is possible to contest the results of the breathalyzer if it was not properly maintained or operated. Additionally, the attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for a lighter sentence for a lesser charge. For these reasons, you should always consult with your attorney before you enter a plea or accept a deal from the prosecutor.
Are There Any Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk of Being Arrested For a DUI?
Being charged with this type of crime can have life-changing consequences for individuals. Unfortunately, it can be fairly easy for individuals to accidentally operate a vehicle when their blood alcohol content is too high. Luckily, there are a couple of tips that may help you to avoid this problem. One of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of getting a DUI is to avoid operating a car when you have been drinking recently. Another option will be to invest in a portable breathalyzer kit. This will allow you to have an approximate idea of your current blood alcohol levels so that you can make an informed decision about operating your car.
If you've been arrested for or facing a DUI charge, consult an attorney like Knochel Law Offices PC to talk about your options.