A conviction for DUI or DWI is very serious; there are implications that can affect you for life. Each state has its own laws but the consequences are not all that different. A first offence DIU usually is classified as a misdemeanor which carries with it fines, perhaps some jail time or, in lieu of that, community service. There is a very good chance your driver’s license will be taken from you and you may have to attend a mandatory re-education program regarding alcohol and drugs.
In the event the incident resulted in an injury, the charges may be criminal, if a death resulted, the charge could be vehicular homicide. In any event, civil or criminal, it is suggested that you have a DUI attorney in Cambridge MD at your side.
There is a lot at stake; you can be facing jail time, monetary costs and the effects of a criminal record. With all this at stake, you will need an attorney that can protect your rights as the case progresses. If, for example, the arresting officer did not follow established procedure when you were stopped the attorney may be able to have the evidence presented by the police quashed, perhaps have the case dismissed. Even if the arrest was all done lawfully and you were indeed driving while intoxicated your DUI attorney in Cambridge MD may be able to enter into a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
Mitigating factors:
Approximately 66 percent of those people arrested every year for DUI or DWI are first offenders. Without a prior conviction there are factors that the court will use in determining if you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a crime. This will usually be the determining factor as to what the penalty will be along with the long term consequences of the penalty. Some of the factors are:
1. Was there a minor in the vehicle?
2. How badly were you impaired?
3. How much harm and damage was caused?
4. Were you arrested in a school zone?
When you are presented to the court, your DUI attorney in Cambridge MD may be able to present certain factors that will weigh on how the judge arrives at the sentence. The job you hold, your military service record, your family circumstances and character references are all important to your attorney.
Jail time and alternatives:
First time offenders can expect very little jail time, perhaps one or two nights at most. Second offences however, are a different thing as are third and forth offences. Jail time for this is usually a minimum of one year and if there were injuries or a death, the jail sentence will be much longer.
Alternatives for first offenders can be house arrest, electronic monitoring, and probation and community service.
