Common Concerns DUI Defendants May Have
by Jared Matthews
Being arrested and charged with any crime is a serious matter. Unfortunately, while many people may assume that they will never face arrest, it can be remarkably easy for a person to face a DUI charge. When you encounter this legal problem, it is important for you to be as informed as possible when it comes to your rights so that you can give yourself the best chance of successfully contesting the charge.
When Can You Request A Lawyer?
Following your arrest, it is important for you to retain an attorney as soon as possible. However, it should be noted that the earliest you can speak to your attorney will vary from one jurisdiction to another. For example, there are some states where you may request the presence of your attorney at the time you are detained by the police. In other jurisdictions, you will have to wait until you have been formally booked into the jail before you can contact your lawyer. Regardless of the rules for your state, you should avoid answering any incriminating questions or admitting guilt in any way. While the police may potentially act friendly, they are actually fishing for information, and anything you say may be used in your trial.
Does It Matter If You Have Had A DUI Conviction In The Past?
Unfortunately, there are some people that will fail to realize that a previous conviction for a DUI can greatly increase the penalties for future convictions. This can be especially true if the previous DUI conviction was in the relatively recent past. If this is the case for you, it is critical to retain legal representation as soon as possible. The penalties for multiple convictions can quickly escalate to the point of being a felony, as well as resulting in the revocation of driving privileges for many years.
Can You Get A DUI Due To Your Medication?
Sadly, it is a common misconception that DUI convictions always result from alcohol. However, it is important to note that any substance that sufficiently compromises your ability to drive may result in this type of charge. Unfortunately, it does not matter whether these substances are your medications. For this reason, you should always heed any warnings on your medicine against driving or operating heavy machinery. If you are in a situation where driving is unavoidable, you should speak with your doctor to switch to a medication that will not compromise your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
For more information and advice, contact a law firm like The Gentry Firm.
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About Me
Sometimes it's necessary for individuals to hire a criminal attorney. If you've never had to hire an attorney before, you may not know exactly what to do. Hello, my name is Joanna, and this blog will tell you everything you need to know about hiring a criminal attorney to represent you in your legal matter. I was in this situation recently when a family member needed an attorney. I had to learn quickly what needed to be done, and in the end it all worked out great. I decided to compile a blog to help others learn what to do when they need to hire a criminal attorney. Since this can be a stressful experience, my hope is that this blog will help to ease some of the stress.