When I started getting into trouble I became pretty acclimated to legal procedures. Calling my attorney and working out bail was just another way to spend a Saturday night. Unfortunately, the stiffer the charges, the more difficult it was to talk my way out of a bad situation. After so many charges, I found myself slapped with a long jail sentence, and I realized that I wanted to turn things around. Fortunately, my lawyer was able to walk me through yet another process, so that I could make the right changes. My blog discusses how to emotionally cope with legal issues so that you can start living a good life.
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It was an extra glass of wine at dinner or that one extra beer you had at the bar. Maybe you didn't give yourself enough time to sleep after drinking the night before. If you are found to be driving under the influence, it doesn't always mean that you are someone who set out to intentionally drive when you knew you were inebriated. The fact is, a lot of people land a DUI merely because of a blip in their own judgement of how much alcohol is too much or when alcohol should be out of their system. Even though a DUI charge is serious no matter the circumstances, if this is your first and only offense, you can get through this process with the help of a DUI lawyer. Take a look at a few things you should know about a first-time DUI.
Most states treat a first-time DUI offense as a misdemeanor crime.
Being charged with a DUI is always a serious crime. However, the first-time this happens in most states, you will only be charged with a misdemeanor and not a felony crime. A misdemeanor means you will be facing a much less harsh sentence if you are found to be guilty. For example, you may have to do community service, your license may be temporarily suspended, and you may have to be on probation if this is your first DUI offense.
Jail time is still possible with a first-time DUI charge.
While the DUI may be viewed as a misdemeanor and carry less punishment, this does not always mean that you will not serve time in jail if you are found guilty. In some situations, a judge will still order that some time be served because of the charge. This can depend on the state you live in and the circumstances regarding the DUI. For example, if your blood alcohol level was extremely high or if you were driving in a school zone, the judge may deem fit for you to receive a harsher sentence and require time in jail.
You do need a lawyer for help even though this is a first offense.
Never make the mistake of assuming that a DUI lawyer will be an unnecessary expense when you are charged with your first DUI. Having a lawyer means you have someone on your side to help you get through the whole process. If there is any chance of you being found not-guilty, the lawyer will usually see the opportunity right away and work to get the charges dropped.
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