When a person is arrested dui Charleston, they may be facing serious penalties. The person who has been arrested is going to want to ensure they have someone on their side who can help them face the legal battle ahead. They will need to hire a lawyer as quickly as possible, so the lawyer can start working on their defense and help them avoid being given the maximum sentences for the DUI charge.
Penalties for a DUI
When a person is arrested dui Charleston, and it is their first offense, they will be facing up to six months in jail, $100 to $1,000 in fines, and 15 to 45 days with a suspended license. Within a ten year period, if a person is arrested dui Charleston for a second time, the penalties go up to 12 months in jail, $3,000 in fines, and one year with a suspended license. The penalties are more severe for a third or fourth arrest within a ten year period, if the person was driving with a minor in the vehicle, if the person was significantly impaired, or if the person caused an accident because of driving under the influence.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
A lawyer is going to be able to review all of the evidence against their client and determine the right course of action to help them. The lawyer may be able to prove the arrest was not legal, the evidence from the blood alcohol test is not accurate, or that there is another reason the evidence cannot be used against their client. This could mean the charges are dropped or lowered to a lesser charge. A lesser charge will not count as a prior DUI conviction if they are arrested again and will not have as severe penalties. If the person is convicted of the DUI, the lawyer will help convince the judge that the maximum sentence is not necessary and that their client deserves to receive the minimum sentence.
Anyone who was been arrested dui Charleston should contact a lawyer as quickly as possible after their arrest. There is a lot a lawyer can do to help prevent them from receiving the maximum sentence, even if they have been convicted of a DUI in the past.
