There is an increase in DUI charges because people lack knowledge of drunk driving laws. A DUI conviction leads to jail time, fines of $10,000 plus, and a driving license suspension of 30-45 days or license revocation for refusal to take a blood test, which can range from 60 days to lifetime revocation.
To win your DUI case, you need a lawyer with vast experience to create the best defense strategy and challenge the opposition. Hiring an experienced defense lawyer is the best way to protect your license. Learn how to protect your driving license following a DUI charge.
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Get Legal Help
Representing yourself in court is not an option; a study shows that 74% of people face conviction if they don’t hire a dui lawyer in san luis obispo. Protect your driving license following a DUI charge by hiring an attorney. The consequences of a DUI charge are severe and long-lasting, like high insurance premiums, fines, license suspension or revocation, etc.
A study shows that if charged with DUI, 65% face conviction if represented by an attorney, while 22% will settle for a lesser charge, 1% get acquitted, and 12% of cases get dismissed. Your attorney will ensure that all evidence is collected and appropriately presented in court to avoid unnecessary consequences from the incident.
Request and Review Video Footage and Police Report
Ask your lawyer to send a subpoena to the police requesting the video footage and the police report. Your lawyer must file the subpoena in the local courthouse through the clerk’s office. Once you get the police report and the video footage, give a copy to the prosecutor. If the evidence gets destroyed, you have a solid argument for the case to be thrown out.
Review the police report; it contains information about your arrest, the happenings at each stage, the arrest time, and the police officer who requested your license. If there are inconsistencies between the video footage and the police report, address them in court.
Read and Understand the NHTSA Manual and DUI Statute
The NHTSA manual has steps officers must take to ensure the arrest is legal. It includes observing if the driver has slurred speech and taking the driver through field sobriety tests like the one-leg test. To win a DUI case, prove to the judge that the arresting officer didn’t follow NHTSA guidelines.
In addition, understand what constitutes a DUI statute. The prosecutor must prove you’re guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol. Look at your charge tickets. They will have a specific statute the arresting officer has used to charge you with. Write down ways the prosecutor will prove their case and ways you can disapprove of the charges.
Negotiate with Prosecutor
Before the case goes to trial, try negotiating with the prosecutor. They may offer to reduce your charges. If this happens, it’s easier for you to get your license back. You may also plead guilty to DUI to get your license.
Challenge License Suspension
To challenge the license suspension, you must file a motion explaining why the court should allow you to keep driving. Download the form online from the court’s website. While filing, look at the court rules on how to file. The judge will hold a hearing on your motion and decide whether to allow it.
You Can Protect Your Driving License Following a DUI Charge
DUI is a serious issue for people of all ages. Ensure you don’t suffer negative consequences like community service, treatment programs, probation, a jail term, license suspension, or revocation by hiring a lawyer.
