Even if a person has never been arrested before, their first DUI can have a huge impact on their future if they are convicted. Although it’s the person’s first offense, it is still taken extremely seriously as DUIs cause a number of serious and deadly accidents each day. A person who is over 21 can be convicted of a DUI if their BAC (blood alcohol content) is over .08%. This number lowers to .02% if the person is under 21 or .04% if they’re driving a commercial vehicle.
Potential Penalties
If a person is convicted of their first DUI, they face between 60 days and one year in jail, fines of $500 to $5,000, and a license suspension of up to two years. They will also have to pay court costs of at least $300 and may have to serve a probationary period with their driver’s license once it is no longer suspended. During this time, they’ll only be able to drive to work and back. They may also have to be on probation and be required to take a substance abuse course or attend a victim impact panel.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A DUI lawyer in Fort Wayne, IN can thoroughly review the case to determine if any mistakes were made that could mean the case can be dismissed. They’ll also look through to ensure the person’s rights were upheld at all times from the time they were initially pulled over until their hearings. If they cannot have the charges dismissed, they’ll work to obtain a not-guilty verdict or to help their client receive the minimal penalties if they are convicted. What a lawyer can do depends on the circumstances surrounding the case.
Anyone who has been arrested and charged with a DUI can contact a DUI lawyer in Fort Wayne, IN for help. This is essential even if it’s the person’s first offense as the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe. Check out Thonertlaw.net to learn more about DUI charges, the potential penalties, and how a lawyer can help. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, you can then contact a lawyer and see how they can help in your case.
