Most states have very strict laws regarding driving offenses like speeding and drunk driving. That’s because such reckless behavior causes thousands of accidents, injuries and fatalities every year. DUI laws vary from state to state, but a conviction has a lasting impact on your life. If you or someone you know are facing DUI charges, you should contact a lawyer right away. Most reputable law firms have DUI, personal injury and white collar crime attorneys, and you should be able to find the legal help you need.
Why DUI is a serious crime
Drunk and distracted driving cause thousands of accidents each year, leading to property damage, injuries and loss of life. This is why every state has strict laws on the books concerning drunk driving and speeding. These laws are also enforced very aggressively to keep the roads safe. Every year, millions of motorists are pulled over to check for drunk drivers and those driving under the influence.
Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2016, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. However, this staggering number was just 1% of the total number of self-reported cases of drunk driving in that year, which came to 111 million episodes. Speeding is likewise treated as a serious offense and 34 million speeding tickets are issued every year across the country. That’s an average of 93,000 speeding tickets issued every day, or 65 every minute.
What to do if you are facing DUI charges
If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should be aware that this is a very serious charge. If it results in a conviction, it will impact your life for many years to come. A DUI conviction can make it harder to find a job, get loan and to buy a house. You may lose your license and even face a jail term.
Because a DUI conviction is such a serious matter, the first thing you should do if you are facing DUI charges is to contact an attorney who specializes in such cases. A DUI attorney will be able to explain your situation and help you understand your options. A reputable law firm will have lawyers who practice in multiple areas with specialists like DUI, personal injury and white collar crime attorneys.
How can a DUI lawyer help?
A DUI conviction carries serious penalties. These can include fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges and a permanent record that will follow you through your life. An experienced DUI attorney can help you by getting the charges dropped or reduced. They may be able to negotiate lesser penalties on the basis of your circumstances and past history.
Without an attorney, it is nearly impossible to fight DUI charges or to negotiate lesser penalties. You can find a DUI attorney by contacting a reputable local law firm. They have lawyers who practice in many areas, and will have specialists like personal injury, DUI and white collar crime attorneys.
A DUI conviction is a serious matter and if you are facing DUI charges, you should hire an attorney right away. They can help you minimize the consequences and to put your life in order.
