subject: The Consequences of Drunk Driving [print this page] The Consequences of Drunk Driving The Consequences of Drunk Driving
When it comes to drunk driving, zero tolerance has become the norm in most states. There is an increasing number of states that are issuing severe penalties for people who get arrested for drunk driving. There are fines, penalties and other possible penalties involved, such as jail time and court costs. Drunk driving charges can cause a person his or her job and source of income. His or her car insurance rates are most likely to go up and the person who is charged stands to lose driving privileges altogether. Sometimes, a judge will order the defendant to take a drivers education class at his or her own expense.
What if the person who was arrested for drunk driving was wrongfully charged? Sometimes, bad things can happen to good people. The police can make mistakes just as anyone else can. When this happens, it is time to find a qualified attorney who has lots of experience defending drunk driving charges. There are many time-sensitive elements involved with drunk and under the influenced driving charges, so if an attorney is not hired right away, the defendant could lose his or her rights.
In most states an attorney can request a hearing in writing within ten days of the arrest. Failure to follow through on this time limitation can result in some state's suspending the defendant's drivers license without a hearing. If the hearing is requested on time, the arresting officer is required to appear and provide evidence that there was probable cause for the defendant to be arrested. He or she must also prove that the breath test was accurately administered or that the defendant refused to take the test. If none of these things transpire, an attorney can usually get the charges dismissed altogether.
The first thing a good defense attorney will do when his or her client has been arrested for a DUI is inform the defendant about exactly what is going to happen. He or she will explain the entire process and let the defendant know what is required so there will be no surprises. This service alone can be a great comfort to the frightened client who has no idea what to expect. The next thing he or she will do is let the defendant know is all of the possibilities that pertain to the person's drivers license. Then it is time to fight for the defendant's rights and to get the best possible outcome.
