4 Reasons Why First DUI Can’t Ruin Your Life
There are severe penalties for getting a DUI even as a first-time offender. These penalties can equate to:
- 2 and a half years in a correction house
- Up to a $5,000 fine
- A complete loss of your license
- Owing significant court fees and having to pay out fines issued by the court
A lot of people end up worrying that a DUI could be a stain on their record for years to come. While it’s certainly true that it’s not a good thing, there are plenty of people that find themselves with a DUI. You could be from any walk of life and get one. The majority of those who are first-time offenders are good people who made poor decisions. Likewise, it’s not uncommon for police to make mistakes. Thus, it can be a very difficult part of your life, but it doesn’t have to be the sole thing that takes you down.
1. Get Professional Legal Assistance
One of the main things you need to do when you find yourself with a DUI is to seek out professional help. You want to get an experienced DUI attorney to help you. A professional attorney is one of the best people to lean on when you get your first DUI because they will know what to do and what not to do. They can put together the best case for you. Even if you do end up deciding to plead guilty, they will be able to walk you through the entire process to get the best deal for yourself.
2. Protecting Your License
If you get convicted for your first offense, you could find yourself dealing with a suspended license. Typically, your license would get suspended for 1 year. This is a suspension that would be separate from your 180-day suspension if you refuse a breathalyzer test while getting stopped. All of your suspensions will be assessed through the RMV. When you lose your license, it can be a disaster. It’s one of the main roadblocks for those that get a DUI. After all, so many rely on their driving ability to go on with their life. Whether it’s commuting to work, seeing family, or even going to health appointments.
3. Avoiding Jail
The majority of people that get charged with a DUI end up in police custody for at least several hours. When you are charged with your first offense, you could be subjected to jail time of up to 2 and a half years in jail.
4. Move On
Along with losing your legal ability to drive and having to deal with probation, you will need to pay a lot of court fees and fines. You’ll likely need to make adjustments to your lifestyle when you lose your license. It’s also likely that you will need to take some unpaid time off work.
Luckily, you can hire a professional DUI attorney that knows the ropes. Hiring someone with experience can put you in the best position to get expert advice. They can walk you through the process from start to finish and provide you with the best defense. The majority of people who get a DUI move forward with their lives after their mistake. There is no reason you can’t be one of them.
Contact us or call us today to get the best DUI/DWI counsel from an experienced lawyer. Visit our blog for more related articles.