The Basics Of Fighting A DUI Charge

Being arrested for DUI, or a charge of driving under the influence, is a terrible experience to go through. Many people arrested for this offense are not hardened criminals and are otherwise very law abiding citizens. Often, someone who receives a DUI charge has never been through the legal system and will find the process very unpleasant. Someone who is arrested for a DUI will undoubtedly be going to jail, and the duration of their stay will depend on their ability to post bond. In some circumstances, if bond is posted immediately, it can also depend on how long it takes for the person being arrested to achieve a certain level of sobriety again.

While it is often recognized that offenders of this crime are not otherwise dangerous people, judges and prosecutors are not typically lenient for DUI offenses and sometimes they like to make an example of people who drive intoxicated. If the charge is not a first offense, sentencing can be tough and driving privileges can be revoked. There is a legal limit for your blood alcohol concentration, also known as BAC, when operating a motor vehicle. In most states the legal limit is a BAC of .08%, so anything over that will constitute a DUI arrest. People under the age of 21 are not legally able to drink, so a BAC over .02% will constitute a DUI for those under the legal drinking age.

After your bond has been posted and you have been released, it is imperative to begin the process of selecting an Atlanta criminal attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and obtaining good legal representation immediately will put you in a better position to fight the charges against you. The best defense is a good offense. It should go without saying that your selection of an attorney should focus on those who have a proven track record of successfully defending clients charged with DUI. You would not want to retain the services of an attorney whose specialty is domestic violence or robbery cases, because chances are they only take on clients charged with DUI sporadically and don’t possess the expertise that would better serve you.

The attorney selection process is important, so be sure to do your homework. If you have ever worked with any type of attorney in the past, you may want to ask him or her who they would hire if they were arrested for a DUI. Try not to be embarrassed when seeking this advice, and keep in mind that you have every right to fight these charges and obtain the best legal representation you can possibly find. You do not want to go to jail and you do not want to lose your driving privileges.

A conviction for driving under the influence will become public record and can affect the defendant’s future considerably. Just because someone has been charged with a DUI offense does not mean they will be convicted, however. A good criminal attorney that specializes in DUI defense will be well-equipped to challenge the breathalizer and subsequent blood tests. The methods used by police at the time of arrest will also be carefully scrutinized. When you have quality representation, you can be assured that even if the case does not get dismissed or thrown out, you will get the best available deal as a result of your attorney’s ability to negotiate with the state attorney or, when applicable, the judge.