How A DUI Attorney Can Help You With Criminal And Civil Charges
If you were just arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you may have a lot of uncertainty regarding your future. With a DUI charge, you typically not only face criminal charges but you face civil ones as well. Although you do have the option to represent yourself in court, hiring a DUI attorney can help save you some time, some charges, and some stress. The great thing about hiring a DUI attorney is that as long as they are experienced, they should be able to cover both the criminal and civil aspects of your case.
Criminal Charges
When people first hear about DUI charges, they tend to think about the criminal charges that individuals will face. Depending on the state that you live in and the level of alcohol that you tested positive for, you may face the following:
Jail Time: Spending the night in jail when you first get a DUI is fairly normal, but extended amounts of jail time may also be something that you potentially face. Spending time in jail can mean a variety of negative things for you including a loss of income and time spent away from your family. Your DUI attorney will work to prevent you from having to serve any additional time in jail.
Fines: Fines are really common for people to face. Depending on the state that you live in, the fines could be anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars all the way up to several thousands of dollars and may need to be paid upfront.
Classes: DUI classes are classes that most states require those who have been convicted of a DUI to go to. During a DUI class, they will focus on treatment and alcohol abuse in hopes to help you through your addiction.
Civil Charges
One of the scariest things that people face when convicted of a DUI is losing their driver's license. Because the loss of your driver's license is controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is considered to be a civil charge. When you hire a DUI attorney, they will show up to your civil hearings to help you avoid having your driver's license suspended. If you work in an industry that relies heavily on driving, then this will be especially important to make sure that you're covered.
If you want to learn a little bit more, reach out to DUI attorneys near you.
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