Do you really need a lawyer if you have been arrested for DUI? Lawyers can be expensive. Perhaps your embarrassed because you were arrested for DUI and feel like you can handle things yourself or even you bury your head in sand and hope things will just blow over. The truth is that NOT hiring a lawyer if you are arrested for DUI would be a huge mistake. A mistake that will have long term consequences for your future.
So, you decide or to hire a lawyer, you got this…right? Maybe someone you know got a DUI and he/she represented themselves and just got some community service. What they didn’t tell you was that his DUI was 30 years ago and not in New York State.
DUI laws have gotten increasingly stricter over the years in all states and the truth is you need a DUI lawyer if you have any chance of fighting the arrest. Think maybe you should just plead guilty or no contest and take what comes? Ok well let’s discuss what probably will happen if you don’t hire a lawyer to defend you.
- Suspended Driver’s License
In a lot of DUI cases your driver’s license is either suspended or revoked upon arrest for DUI or at the conclusion of your hearing. A suspended license means at the end of the suspension it will automatically be reinstated but if your license is revoked well that is a whole different story. After the specified period of time, if your license is revoked you will have to reapply for a Driver’s License, that means going to the DMV and taking the driving test all over etc.
- Jail time
Yes, jail time of more than a year is a real possibility, especially if this is your first DUI/DWI.
- Huge fines
There can be large fines associated with DUI, especially if you are convicted of a felony.
- Loss of employment
If you go to jail, you won’t be able to work. Need we say more?
- Difficulty getting a job
Employers frequently ask on job sites if you have been a felony conviction. Changes are if you check yes, you won’t even get a job interview.
- Car Insurance
Your insurance carrier will either cancel or raise your rates by double or triple the amount you are paying now.
When you go and try to get car Insurance and they run your Driving record, DUI is obviously a huge red flag and your rates will be sky high.
- Felony or Misdemeanor?
Did you know in some cases DUI/DWI can be classified as a misdemeanor instead of a felony?
The complexities of a DUI case are numerous and it’s not something you should handle yourself. It’s important to know your rights and have someone on your side. A Drunk Driving Defense Lawyerwill fight for you and present a defense that potentially could get you another guilty verdict, saving your license, job, fines and more.