Why You Should Hire a DUI Lawyer

By following the advice of a DUI lawyer, you can greatly reduce your chances of facing major consequences for your alleged offense. If you're at risk for being arrested, you should be aware of the following details regarding DUI law.

Blood Alcohol Levels

You don't have to be drunk in order to be cited for illegally driving under the influence. For most states, a blood alcohol level of 0.08% meets the definition of being legally intoxicated; for many people, that percentage is reached after only two or three drinks. One "drink" is defined as either a 1.25-ounce shot of liquor, a 12-ounce can of beer, or a 5-ounce glass of wine. After just one drink, a 100-pound person's driving skills can be significantly affected, allowing the person to potentially face criminal charges; the same is true for a 240-pound individual after just two drinks.

Because it takes time for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream as well as to dissipate, you can decrease your chances of facing consequences by attaining an independent analysis as soon as you're released by the government. If the results differ greatly from those of the government lab, they can be used to refute the allegations and provide for your release.

Alcohol vs. Drugs

While like alcohol, drugs can also impair your driving abilities, a DUI lawyer can help defend you in the case of such an arrest. Whether the chemicals involved are over-the-counter, prescription, or illicit drugs, they affect the human body differently than alcohol does. The drug concentrations can affect various individuals in different ways; this somewhat nebulous detail can be good news for your unique case. For instance, sleep medications are infamous for producing symptoms similar to amnesia, allowing for a defense based on the fact that you never consciously chose to drive your car while impaired by the medication.

Heightened Consequences

In many states, the consequences that go with DUI convictions continue to increase. Each year, the laws become more and more intolerant of those intoxicated while behind the wheel. In addition, many people fail to realize that not only does the court hold you accountable, but so does your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV has the power to revoke or suspend your driver's license, regardless of the determination of the court.

In order to increase your chances of maintaining your freedom, the best choice you can make is to hire an experienced DUI lawyer who can use their expertise to protect your interests.