People fear DUI arrests for its huge and odious consequences. These may include but are definitely not limited to financial fines, certain periods of jail term, mandatory community service, dented individual’s criminal record and in fact felony for more than one time offenders. The truth, however, is that a lot of people have only a little knowledge of DUI laws as applicable to states in the US federation. Because of this, DUI Lawyer Atlanta has always made reasonable and active efforts in broadening peoples’ awareness and educating them at every possible opportunity on the most important things to know about their DUI arrest and related encounters.
DUI is always a thing of worry for many because most of the time, it is their first experience to deal directly with the law. The confusion regarding this is understandable. Therefore, it is possible to make mistakes that could make the big difference between a favorable result and a possible conviction. These are the few mistakes you could make as an individual;
Ignoring DUI charges
Not treating your DUI charges seriously is probably the worst thing to do after getting an arrest. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first offense or not, you will be facing harsh penalties which could impact your life very negatively beyond your imaginations. The worst it would do for you as a first-timer who probably has no past criminal record is denting that feat and stamping a permanent mark on the record. Of course, this could cause you many more woes including causing severe damage to your employment prospects, the ability to apply for a place to live and many other issues.
Talking your way out
A first time DUI offender who has never really come up against the law in any way may ignorantly treat his or her DUI arrest as a mere misunderstanding and thus attempt to disclose an emotional side of the story to clear things up. Don’t try that! Just keep your mouth shut and get an Atlanta DUI lawyer to your rescue. There is a high possibility that everything you say would be used against you in your trial. They are sometimes admissible pieces of evidence in the court. Be sure as from today that DUI arrest is never a misunderstanding or cheap arrest. Treat it as huge as it is to avoid telling sorry tales for yourself.
Admitting your guilt
Admitting your guilt at DUI arrest is like ending your case before it actually really began. You have judged yourself and unknowingly picked a punishment for your misdeed. Try and understand that an arrest doesn’t transmit automatically to guilt. Once you plead guilty or no contest, you have simply faltered the case and your lawyer would not be able to conduct any further investigations or mount a defense to save you. Once you admit your guilt, the judge now has full discretion for your sentencing. This means that he or she can now serve you the maximum penalties attached to the crime.
Driving with suspended driving privileges
Most times, the DUI charge could mean that your drivers’ license would be confiscated for certain periods. At this time, you are expected to stay clear of driving on public roads. Unfortunately, many people still risk driving even with the said penalty. If you are caught in this act, you may be bagging a longer suspension or in fact a permanent revocation. Whichever way, more penalties await you.
Court snub
Once your arrest progress into a charge, a hearing is imminent. This includes an appearance in court to plead innocent or guilty of the said charge. Failing to appear in court on the stated date would attract that a bench warrant be issued in your name. This would result in your arrest and in fact more penalties.
Not hiring a DUI lawyer
A huge risk to take but some people still sniff the danger knowing fully well the ardent and dangerous consequences of a DUI charge. Let me begin by saying that the best way to avoid all of the mistakes mentioned earlier is never recruiting an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer to defend you. Why? He is professional and has enough wealth of experience to guide your choices of words and actions from the arrest till court. He will take you through the intricacies of the criminal justice system and build an effective defense on your behalf. He would ensure that you take all proper steps so as not to fall in the pit of further sanctions, therefore attempting to represent yourself without this stated knowledge would be tantamount to self-compromise.
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We are top rated Atlanta DUI attorney that specialize in drunk driving related charges in and around Atlanta, GA, DMV hearings, DMV hearing appeals and the defense of other criminal and traffic cases.