When you get arrested for a dui offense and then get convicted, some possible sentences may include a hefty amount of fine, suspension of your driving license, and even a certain period of jail time. Therefore, you have to be very careful with your actions while you are facing these charges. Following are some of the steps that can help you avoid jail or other harsh penalties.
Hire An Experienced Lawyer
Even if this is the first time you have been charged with such an offense, you are strongly recommended not to take it lightly. The laws applicable in these types of cases are very complex and only a person who specializes in this field of law can help you deal with the legal proceedings associated with it. Therefore, it will be wise to hire an expert dui lawyer to represent you in your case. A lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases can effectively handle your case, where you have been charged with a dui offense. An experienced attorney knows where the legal loopholes are and how to make the best use of the same to ensure you end up either getting a lighter sentence or getting the charges dismissed at all. Their knowledge and experience can be crucial in preparing your defensive strategies on how to avoid jail.
Educate Yourself About The Laws
It is very important for you to keep in mind that the dui laws vary from one state to another and that many new changes are constantly being introduced. In order to be in a better position to protect yourself against the legal troubles, you must have a good understanding of at least the basics on how the laws in your state work in cases similar to yours.
Attend Dui Classes
If you have been charged with a dui offense and if the charges are correct, you must voluntarily attend some dui classes or a treatment program, as it will demonstrate that you are taking responsibility of your actions and that you are working hard to avoid such offenses in future. This way, it will become much easier for you to negotiate a fair deal with the prosecuting attorney. When you participate in such programs voluntarily, you are likely to be given a lighter punishment. You can get a detailed list of such programs and courses by contacting the American Council on Alcoholism.
Challenge The Grounds On Which You Were Arrested
The officer must have some reasonable grounds to arrest you; it can be the result of the sobriety test or breath analyzer test. The results of these tests however may not always be reliable. So, you can challenge these results. If you can prove that your arrest was based on no reasonable ground, it will mean the arrest was not legal at the first place. Challenging even the smallest technical details can help you avoid a prison sentence for your dui offense. Even if none of the parties manage to prove their side of truth, you are likely to end up awarding with very lighter punishment (if at all), such as community service with or without a certain amount of monetary fine.
File An Appeal If You Are Sentenced With A Jail Time
If none of your strategies work and the court awards you with a prison sentence, you must file an appeal immediately to get your case reviewed again. In most cases, though the conviction will not be overturned because of your appeal, you are still likely to at least get rid of the jail punishment.
Always remember, multiple time dui offense can result in a mandatory jail time. Therefore, make sure you avoid getting into such troubles again. Never drive a vehicle while you are intoxicated or while you are under the influence of alcohol.