DUI Charges Carry Very Stiff Penalties

It is an intimidating sight to see those flashing blue lightsThe legal limit of blood alcohol content is.08 percent.
in one's rear view mirror for a minor traffic offense.For drivers under the age of twenty-one the legal limit
Seeing those lights for a DUI (Driving Under thedoesn't matter. Even a trace amount of alcohol can
Influence) charge is a terrifying experience. A DUIlead to a DUI conviction for those under the legal age
arrest carries severe penalties and may affect alimit. Repeat offenders find themselves facing even
person's ability to gain employment for a long time.stiffer penalties with higher fines and longer sentences.
Many states have implemented plans in an effort toDue to these severe penalties, it's imperative for the
both prevent drunk driving and penalize those who do.accused to retain an experienced DUI lawyer. A skilled
Some of these plans are subtle. For example, IllinoisDUI attorney can negotiate charges and penalties. It is
allows the families of those who have been killed by apossible to gain a "hardship license", but that's almost
drunk driver to put up roadside markers. We have allimpossible to do without a good criminal lawyer.
seen little crosses and flowers along some of thePrior to contacting a DUI lawyer, there are certain
major roadways in North America. These somberthings a person can do to help their case. Always
markers will hopefully remind others of the severity ofremember The Constitution grants citizens the right to
their actions, and thus, help prevent such tragedies.remain silent. Cooperate with the police insofar as
A first time offender may find themselves facing aparticipating in a roadside sobriety test, but do not offer
misdemeanor charge that carries penalties ofany additional information. Do not resist arrest and do
suspension of license, possible jail time, and expensivenot protest if the officer confiscates your license.
fines. If there's an injury associated with the firstDo not do anything that may result in additional
offense, then a person may find themselves facing acharges or make the situation worse. Even if one has
felony. A felony conviction not only carries stiffernot been drinking, let the DUI lawyer handle any
financial and jail time penalties, but can also result in themisunderstandings. As soon as possible contact a
loss of voting privileges for the rest of a person's life. Ifcriminal lawyer so that they may begin building your
the accused is under the age of twenty-one they maydefense. Facing a DUI is horrifying, but those with
find themselves without their license for two years inproper representation do not have to face it alone.
addition to other penalties.