Important Details When Facing Your First DUI Offense
Posted on: 8 November 2019
Getting picked up by the police after driving while under the influence of alcohol will result in legal charges that you will need to face. These legal charges are often categorized as DUI charges, and if this is your first offense, there are several things you should understand about this.
A DUI is usually a misdemeanor
Crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, and a DUI is almost always considered a misdemeanor, especially if it is a person's first offense. If you have experienced other DUIs in the past or have a record for other types of crimes, the court might choose to prosecute the charge as a felony, though. A misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony charge, but it is still a crime that would remain on your record permanently.
You will probably lose your license temporarily
One of the most common consequences of getting a DUI is a loss of driving privileges. The good news is that this is usually just a temporary event for a person who has never had a DUI in the past. You will likely get a letter in the mail within a few weeks of getting arrested for the DUI that tells you that the DMV is suspending your driving privileges. If you want to be able to drive again and get your license back sooner, you will want to talk to a lawyer about your situation, as this is the best way to settle your DUI case.
You will end up facing several other consequences
Even a first DUI offense can land you with a lot of other consequences too but with a good DUI lawyer, you will hopefully be able to work out a plea bargain. Through a plea, you might be able to have fewer consequences as the court may agree to reduce the charge from a DUI to reckless driving. If so, you will still likely face consequences such as the requirement for having SR-22 insurance and completing an alcohol course at a counseling center. You might also have to complete community service in your area and face other penalties.
If you have questions about a DUI charge or other traffic violations, you should talk to a lawyer that offers DUI services in your area like those at Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP. Hiring a lawyer can help you in many different ways as you face a charge like this, and you should not try to handle the case yourself.
Share