Tips That Will Help You Deal With The DUI Charge That You Have Been Handed
Posted on: 15 November 2017
If you recently attended a backyard barbecue and consumed one alcoholic beverage before heading home and were stopped at a random checkpoint, resulting in being charge with driving under the influence, you are likely confused about the incident and fear that you will be found guilty of the charge. Driving under the influence can have serious repercussions that could affect your livelihood, job, and finances. Use the tips below to deal with the charge that you have been handed.
Prepare For A Hearing And Enter A Plea
Keep track of the citation that a law officer gave to you. On it, you will find the time and date of a court hearing that you are required to attend. Prior to the hearing, be prepared to enter a guilty or not guilty plea. If the driink that you consumed had a low alcohol content and you were given a breathalyzer that that can prove that your blood acohol level was within the legal limit, pleading not guilty to the charge will be in your best interest.
On the day of your court hearing, dress formally and try to remain calm while seated in the room where the hearing will take place. When a judge calls your name, stand up and be polite as you are asked how you would like to plead. If you plead not guilty, you will be provided with a future court hearing. During a future hearing, you will have a chance to provide the judge with your side of the story.
Hire A Lawyer And Answer Questions
A DUI lawyer can assist with proving your innocence or at the very least help with reducing the charge that you initially received. If you are strapped for cash and believe that you will be unable to handle a lawyer's fees, do not become discouraged and forego retaining legal help. Instead, call several law practices and inquire about a sliding fee arrangement or payment agreement that will allow you to pay a small fee upfront and fulfill additional monthly payments that are a consistent amount.
After retaining an attorney, meeting with them face to face is important so that the lawyer will be able to ask you pertinent questions associated with your case. Give your lawyer concise details and do not omit any information. Your lawyer needs to have a clear picture of what occurred so that they can decide upon a course of action that will prove your innocence.
Keep Your Nose Clean And Avoid Visiting Venues That Serve Alcohol
Your lawyer will most likely advise you to follow your normal routine and to not involve yourself in any situations that involve alcohol. This means that you should avoid visiting public venues that serve alcohol, and you should refrain from attending social functions that may include being around alcoholic beverages. Although you cannot get in trouble for being somewhere where alcohol is served, you never know what can happen at a public event, and it is best to distance yourself from any occasion that could result in receiving another alcohol-related charge.
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