When someone is convicted of a DUI for the first time, they are facing up to 90 days in jail, up to $1,000 in fines and penalties, a license suspension of up to 90 days and the requirement of an Interlock Ignition Device (IID) in their vehicle when they are able to drive again. This is on top of other issues they might have because of the conviction, like the loss of their job if it involves driving. Instead of pleading guilty and accepting these penalties, a person can work with a DUI attorney to try to get a better outcome.
One of the ways an attorney can help is by having the charges dismissed, which is typically done if there isn’t enough evidence for a conviction. The lawyer may be able to show the evidence against their client was obtained illegally or through malfunctioning equipment, for instance, if the evidence against the person is a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, and the lawyer can show the device wasn’t properly calibrated, the evidence may be invalid. If this happens, it cannot be used as evidence and there may not be enough evidence to charge the person.
Another way is to have the charges lowered: if a person is in an accident and the witnesses state he was driving erratically before the accident, they might charge him with a DUI based on the alcohol smell on his breath. If, however, he doesn’t have a high enough BAC level or it’s invalid because of malfunctioning equipment like the example above, they may be willing to let him plead guilty to reckless driving instead of a DUI. He’s still going to have a criminal charge, but it’s not nearly as serious and doesn’t have as high of penalties as a DUI would.
A DUI charge does not automatically lead to a DUI conviction and there is quite a bit an attorney can do to help their client. These are only two examples of how a DUI attorney can help a person avoid a DUI conviction, and this help is available even if it isn’t their first time being arrested. For more information on DUI charges, getting help to fight a DUI charge, or more, visit Blatzlawminnesota.com now.
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