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What Are The Consequences Of A DUI?

DUI charges are, unfortunately, extremely common. Too often, people make the improper judgment that they are okay to drive. While it is difficult to know whether or not you are above the legal limit, you should always be safe and have another form of transportation after a night of drinking. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being pulled over for a DUI, however, here's what you should know about the consequences that you now face:

1. Suspended License: A suspended license is a common consequence of being charged with a DUI, especially if this is not the first time you have been faced with this charge. The only way you can attempt to avoid this or to ensure that your license is not suspended for a long period of time is to hire a criminal defense attorney. An attorney may be able to help you get away with having your license suspended for only a few months. 
2. Higher Consequences With a Blood Test: More often than not, if you had a blood test done instead of a breath test and it came back showing you were over the legal limit, you are sure to face more severe consequences. This is because blood tests are more accurate than breath tests. For this reason, many criminal defense attorneys will recommend that you opt for the breath test as soon as you have been pulled over. From here, your attorney may be able to help you face less severe consequences because they can prove that the breath test did not provide accurate results. 
3. Fines:  After being charged with a DUI, you are going to have to pay some fines for this because you have put the city in danger. Your criminal defense lawyer can help you lower these fine amounts, which is helpful because you are going to need to save money on the long-term consequences of being charged with a DUI. This would include higher premiums on your car insurance and the fee you are charged to reinstate your driver's license. 
4. Community Service: Finally, community service is another consequence you can face. A criminal defense attorney can possibly help you with this by lowering the number of hours you have to do or by getting you out of it altogether by promising that you will attend driving school.

Now that you know the consequences of a DUI, you can see why hiring a criminal defense attorney is the best way to help you face less severe consequences. Your attorney will know the best strategies for this depending on your criminal history. Contact a lawyer like James D'Angelo, ESQ to learn more.