Driving while intoxicated isn’t something anyone should do, but sometimes people make mistakes in discerning an alcohol level while driving. The alcohol limit while driving varies from state to state, but it is against the law to break the legal limits of drinking before driving. Not only will you get arrested and your car towed, but you could also end up losing your driver’s license, which means losing your independence and perhaps your job.
You’ll also have legal fees and other penalties for alcohol offenses. You could even go to jail plus be made to attend a DWI intervention course. Additionally, the business that serves you alcohol risks alcohol license suspension.
The best course of action is hiring a DWI or DUI (driving under influence) attorney. A DWI attorney specializes in alcohol offenses. They make certain your legal and civil rights are protected in court. They will plead your case while confirming any tests performed by the arresting officer are accurate. Their knowledge of updated laws on the alcohol limit while driving is valuable.
The consequences of ignoring your alcohol level while driving are serious and costly. Finding a good DWI attorney as soon as possible is crucial for alcohol offenses.
Over 1.1 million people in Ohio have been convicted of driving while impaired; that is one in every seven licensed drivers. If you happened to make the unfortunate decision of driving while impaired, and you are being charged with DUI, DWI or OVI, there are many things that you will need to know and do. You need to be aware of your state DUI laws, and any new DUI laws that are in place, especially if this is your second offense. There are different DUI laws by state, so it is important to research the DUI laws in your own state.
Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, DWI or OVI, finding a DUI attorney in your area is your first step, and like the most important one as well. Attorneys will help to ensure that your rights are protected and to work with you throughout the entire process. They will ensure that you are given a fair trial and help to limit the consequences that you will face. Without an attorney, you will likely face the maximum consequences, which, especially if this is your second offense, can be very serious. Attorneys are also the most familiar with new DUI laws and can use these new DUI laws to benefit your case.
License Suspension
After being charged with a DUI, DWI or OVI, your driver’s license will likely be suspended pending an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. In certain states, your license can be suspended anywhere from six months to three years, depending upon the severity of the offense and whether or not you are a repeat offender. Having your license suspended will be inconvenient, but unfortunately, is not the worst of your worries.
Fees
Being charged with a DUI, DWI or OVI can be a very expensive situation. If you want to avoid severe consequences, you need to hire an attorney. However, attorney fees can be very high. You will also need to pay license reinstatement fees when you are able to get your license reinstated. Your insurance will also likely go up, as they see you as a larger liability for them to cover.
Tests
Many times, when you are stopped by an officer and are suspected of being under the influence, they will have you take many tests, including Breathalyzer tests. They may also make you take blood tests and urine tests after being brought back to the station. Even if you have taken these tests, you and your attorney may be able challenge their results. The tests need to be properly administered, or they might turn out to be inadmissible in court. This is one thing that your attorney can help you with, so this is another great reason to hire an attorney.
