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DUI charges are a serious offense. There's no doubt about it. Most charges stemming from driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will result in a stiff fine, loss of your driver's license, and even a stint in jail. If you're arrested for DUI it's a good idea to obtain legal counsel from one or more DUI attorneys.
Driving under the influence means that while operating your vehicle you were either impaired due to the consumption of alcohol and, or in combination with, drugs. It can also mean that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeded a .08. To convict you of a DUI charge the police officer needs only to prove one of these elements of the offense.
The first part of the offense is driving while impaired. The presumption is that you are impaired, you cannot safely drive your car. If you were unable to operate your vehicle in a safe and legal manner and it can be showed that you were impaired by either alcohol or drugs. The officer will bring into evidence your physical state, the things you said, how you were driving and the results of any Standardized Field Sobriety Tests that you performed. These tests were developed by the National Highway Safety Administration and are very effective in allowing an officer to be able to determine that you have a BAC of .10 or mroe. If the sum total of the officer's observations provide him with probable cause to believe you operated the vehicle while impaired, you'll be arrested and charged.
The second part of the offense involves your Blood Alcohol Content, or the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine. If your BAC is at or above .08, there is probable cause to believe that you've committed the DUI offense whether you or anyone else feels that you were truly impaired. The BAC is determined by a breath, blood or urine test.
There are several ways that DUI attorneys can do you a lot of good if you're charged with this offense.
A DUI lawyer speaks the language of the court. Many court terms have legal definitions that don't necessarily coincide with the common usage of the word. The court room may lead you into a confusing jungle of terminology that prevents you from making your best defense.
DUI attorneys are also knowledgeable concerning DUI laws, case law, and various types of defenses. Laymen typically don't do well in the criminal justice system because of a lack of this specialized knowledge.
DUI attorneys are also experienced in applying the law. There are many ways to defend against the charge but the defense must be crafted not only with a logical argument or series of arguments but also within the context of proper courtroom procedure. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI attorneys can win a case by creating enough doubt in the minds of the judge or the jury that the legal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt can't be met. Chances are, you can't accomplish this without the assistance of a DUI attorney.
The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
If you have been arrested for driving while impaired or driving under the influence, you need to make your first call count by calling your Minnesota DWI and DUI attorneys. In this case, you haven't a moment to spare. These offenses are criminal charges, and could cost you more than a fine, you could go to jail.
The seriousness of DWI and DUI charges are a fact. You need a criminal defense law firm and their team of specialists, DWI and DUI attorneys. Even if the evidence against you is very strong, it is possible to negotiate a more favorable result if you work with experienced attorneys. Having your attorney present immediately may improve your chances for dismissal, or they can help you get a better outcome than if you went alone to plead guilty.
By having your DWI and DUI attorneys on board from the beginning, your case will be handled properly. Without a good defense, you may end up in jail, lose your driver's license or full privileges, and have your vehicle forfeited. On top of all that, your insurance rates can skyrocket.
In Minnesota, there are several things you should know if you are ever pulled over for DWI or DUI charges. Most people do not plan to drive impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it does happen and you should be prepared, and know what to do if it does ever happen.
- First and most important, call your DWI and DUI attorneys. Have their number in your wallet or car with other important papers so you can find it quickly.
- Do not talk to anyone other than your attorney, no matter how helpful they seem to be. This applies to police investigators and insurance representatives. You could jeopardize your case and your freedom.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorneys. Otherwise your friends and family could be asked to testify against you.
- Do not go into court without your DWI and DUI attorneys. Do not waive or consolidate any hearings. Instead, ask the judge for a continuance to hire your attorneys. It might be your only chance, so make that call immediately.
- If you must go to court without an attorney, do not make any statements and do not talk with the prosecutor. Instead, ask the court to appoint a public defender for you if you cannot afford to hire one.
In Minnesota, blood alcohol levels of .08 are considered DWI/DUI. Your Minnesota DWI and DUI attorneys understand the criteria for DWI/DUI convictions, and the four levels of penalties. Even the least serious level can mean jail time, and the most serious can result in 7 years in jail and a $14,000 fine plus other penalties.
Driving DWI or DUI is extremely serious and dangerous. If you think you have an alcohol or drug problem, do not drive, and get help! Not only can you ruin your own life, you may even take the life from an innocent victim. It is a criminal situation you do not want to be in, but if you find yourself facing the judge, be sure you have your attorney with you immediately.
The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.