Talk to a DUI Lawyer Before Pleading Guilty to a DUI Charge
When you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it's time to get serious about fighting your charges. You might be tempted to plead guilty to get your case over with quickly, but rarely does this move benefit you. The moment you plead guilty, this is the same as if a jury found you guilty of the crime. You are then convicted of driving under the influence and this is recorded on your permanent criminal record. While you may feel pressure to plead guilty, talk with a DUI lawyer before you plead to see if you have options. It is close to impossible to withdraw your guilty plea once you make it.
Spend the Extra Money for Solid Advice
If you are nervous about spending money on legal advice, this is money well spent. A DUI lawyer may discover holes in your case that you don't understand. If the evidence that is collected against you isn't clear, or the proper procedures were not followed by the arresting officer, your lawyer may be able to get some of the evidence against you suppressed. Your lawyer may also suggest pleading guilty if the only chance you have is in admitting your guilt and getting a lighter sentence.
Know Your Blood Alcohol Content
A blood alcohol content, BAC, over .08 is considered driving under the influence in most states. The closer you are to .08, the easier it will be to fight a conviction. In general, the higher your BAC, the more likely you are to be found guilty of the charges. When your BAC is .20 or higher, you are going to be convicted of a DUI and are better off pleading guilty in order to plead down your sentence.
Collect Witness Statements
Witness statements can have a huge impact on your DUI case. When you have witnesses that will testify that you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are more likely to be convicted. If a police officer witnesses your driving, the likelihood of a guilty finding is even higher. Bring any witness statements to a DUI lawyer so that they can read through the reports to see if there are any inconsistencies.
While you may be tempted to plead guilty to a DUI charge immediately, talk with a DUI lawyer first. You may end up guilty, but a lawyer can give you your options and negotiate a lesser sentence on your behalf.
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