What you need to know about DUI arrests?

Driving under the influence which is also known as operating while intoxicated in some states is a crime which is punishable by law. However, you do have some constitutional rights when you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer for a suspected DUI. Here is what you need to know about DUI arrests and the prosecution that follows.

If you or someone you know have been charged with a DUI, it is possible for you to overturn your case and beat the charges with the right defense strategy. We strongly urge you to consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible in order to start working on your defense in the case.

How drunk is too drunk?

When it comes to levels of intoxication, everybody has different tolerance levels.  However, the law in most states dictates that anyone with a blood alcohol limit of over 0.08% BAC is technically driving under the influence and can face a DUI charge. This limit is specific to adult, non-commercial drivers only.

When it comes to underage drivers or commercial drivers, the limits are much lower and for obvious reasons.

If you are driving around as drunk as Debra Morgan was in Dexter then you are far too drunk to be driving. You are probably too drunk to be even outside. When you laugh about causing damage to your car and to city’s property right in front of the police officer, then you are far too drunk to be driving and you can expect a hefty fine coming your way and lots of your time being consumed in terms of community service.  

Riding a bike is fun but not not so much when you have to and you have grocery bags on your handle bars. Walking is healthy but it takes a long time and it is no fun watching everyone else drive by. Taking the city bus can be convenient but it can be dangerous, dirty, and inconvenient at times too. Not being able to drive is terrible and can seriously impact your life. You do not want to get a DUI but if you do, do not give up. It does not mean you are an evil person. You need a criminal defense lawyer and that can be achieved by clicking on this prolific digital resource center which is: http://criminal-defense.usattorneys.com/. 

What are your rights during a DUI arrest?

To begin with, it is important to comprehend that a law enforcement officer cannot just pull over anyone he wishes to without a reason. To be able to stop someone and subject them to sobriety testing requires reasonable cause for suspicion. Well, if you have already crashed your car into a parking meter, suspicion becomes fact real quick.

So as long as you are driving within the law and as long as you do not voluntarily drive into a DUI checkpoint, then you simply cannot be pulled over and criminal defense attorneys know this to be a fact.  

Another thing you ought to know is that you have some rights which you can exercise during a DUI arrest. One of these rights is the right to remain silent. This basically means that you can decline to answer all or any of the questions asked by law enforcement officers or you can refrain from making any comments at all. This is actually a wise thing to do, as anything you can say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

In addition, in some states you can decline to undertake any sobriety testing. However, in other states, there is a law in effect known as the implied consent law wherein you have already agreed to sobriety testing when you were initially issued your driver’s license. Rejecting sobriety testing in such states can lead to immediate license suspension. Then you can return to taking the city bus, walking, or riding your bike! Not very fun in many situations. You cannot even rent a car!

What are the consequences of a DUI conviction?

A DUI conviction can have severe repercussions which are sure to adversely affect your professional, social, and personal lives. Punishments can include jail time, hefty fines, installation of ignition interlock devices on all vehicles that you own, ankle bracelets, probation, community service, and suspension or revocation of driver’s license, to name a few.

No matter what, it is best to contact a criminal defense lawyer and beat your charges while it is still possible.