DUI Defense Attorney

Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can seriously, negatively impact an individual's life, and being convicted of a DUI charge may add further injury to the individual. DUI is considered a criminal offense in almost every state in the U.S. The penalties for DUI can include jail time, expensive fines, community service, probation, and drug/alcohol counseling. If an accident with serious injuries or significant property damage resulted from the individual's impaired driving, additional criminal or civil charges or lawsuits could be brought against the individual. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may levy administrative penalties against the individual such as revoking the individual's driver's license.

Because the consequences of a DUI conviction can be quite serious, individuals charged with DUI should not hesitate to contact a DUI defense attorney. An attorney will work with the individual to determine the best course of action to defend the individual's reputation, livelihood, and financial stability. When an individual is arrested for DUI these charges become a part of the individual's criminal record that is available to the public. Current and future employers will have access to these records and individuals are sometimes terminated from their jobs, denied promotions, or denied employment because of DUI charges. An attorney will be able to help the individual charged with DUI attempt to have the charged reduced or dismissed.

Individuals charged with DUI are sometimes offered a plea bargain by the prosecuting attorney. Individuals are given the opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser offense, thereby reducing jail time, fines, probation, etc. While this may be beneficial in some cases, there may be instances in which the individual would be better served by having a jury of their peers hear the case. A DUI defense attorney can help individuals evaluate their circumstances and determine if accepting the plea bargain is in their best interest or if having their case go to trial is the best route to take.