Why It’s Important to Hire a DUI Attorney


img 1 1
Spread the love

Being pulled over and arrested is frightening, and many people will panic when this happens. It’s easy to do since there is so much at stake, but the first thing anyone should do after being arrested is to hire a lawyer to help with their case. Those who have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Michigan face serious penalties even for a first offense, so it is important to have the right help to minimize the penalties and the impact on the person’s future. 

img 2 2

Potential Jail Time

The person will be arrested and booked into jail. From there, they can likely be released with bail, but they do face additional time in jail if they are convicted of the DUI. For a first offense, drivers can face up to 180 days in jail. The amount of time increases if the driver has been convicted of a DUI in the past. It’s important to work with a DUI attorney as soon as possible after the arrest to minimize the amount of time spent in jail or avoid a conviction. 

Potential Fines

Fines do depend on the BAC (blood alcohol content) of the driver but can range up to $700 for a first offense. If the driver has previous convictions on their record, this number can increase significantly. A lawyer may be able to help the driver avoid a conviction or make sure the amount of the fine is minimized since the total fine can be a significant amount of money for most people. Fines do not include court costs or related expenses, making any DUI expensive to handle. 

See also  Looking For IT Manager Sample Resumes

Other Penalties

Drivers face other penalties, too. Depending on the number of previous convictions, the BAC of the driver, and the judge’s discretion, it is possible to receive community service as part of the sentence, as well as time with a suspended license and points on the person’s driver’s license. If the driver had a higher BAC, they may also be required to complete an alcohol treatment program or use an ignition interlock device when they are able to drive again. 

Long-Term Impacts

The impact of a DUI conviction doesn’t end when the jail time is complete, and the driver has paid all fines. There can be long-lasting impacts of a DUI. Certain jobs, like those where someone would be required to drive, may not be available to someone with a DUI conviction. Drivers could lose their professional licenses or their position at a job because of the arrest and conviction, or they may end up losing their job because of being unable to get to work with a suspended license. Something like this could have a huge impact on their career and future earnings. 

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, now’s the time to get help. Don’t wait to see what might happen or try to handle it on your own, as it’s not likely you’ll receive a favorable outcome. Instead, contact a lawyer and set up a consultation now to discuss your case. 


Spread the love

jemmy ford