DUI Charges: What You Need To Know About The Crime And Its Consequences
Every state has a set of rules to protect motorists and other road users from reckless driving. Anyone who breaks them faces serious consequences. For example, judges recommend hefty penalties for people who drive while intoxicated. They do this to discourage the vice because accidents caused by a DUI motorist cause severe injuries and fatalities. You should not expect a lenient judgment when arrested for drunk driving. You need to know the following about the crime and its consequences.
Situations That May Lead to an Arrest
The police can arrest you if they realize that you had taken beer, drugs, or medication with intoxicating side effects before driving. However, they must undertake different tests to confirm you should not operate a vehicle before charging you. The police can also arrest you even if the blood alcohol level is below the legal minimum. They have a right to do so if they observe reckless behavior or impaired actions when conducting sobriety tests. But, in this case, they will charge you with a DWI or driving while impaired.
The Consequences You Might Face if Convicted
If a judge finds you guilty of DUI, they might order you to pay a fine or sentence you to several weeks or months in jail. They might also prohibit you from driving for a specified period. However, if you face your first DUI charge, the jury might offer you probation. In this case, you have to abstain from taking alcohol during the probation period. Note that certain factors can worsen your charges. For example, being arrested for drunk driving with a child in your vehicle can make you face maximum penalties.
Other Ways a Conviction Can Impact Your Life
A conviction for DUI can impact your life for a long time. For example, your charges could remain in your records for years. Besides, you might face harsh penalties and severe consequences if you're a habitual offender. You might also lose your child custody rights if the judge feels that your drunk driving behavior endangers their lives. You also risk losing the responsibility of taking care of your kids if you go to jail.
Being charged with DUI can affect your life and your loved ones. Therefore, you should consider hiring drunk driving attorneys such as Frenkel & Frenkel to defend you after being arrested. They can raise different arguments to challenge your charges as well as prevent you from facing severe penalties.