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If You Are Arrested for Driving Drunk, Call a DUI Lawyer Immediately

April 29, 2015

As a DUI lawyer, I get calls from clients at all times of day and night. I welcome them because that means that help is on the way. It may seem like a trivial offense, being pulled over for drunk driving, but it really isn’t. State laws and law enforcement are serious about cracking down on this crime so you cannot assume that you will get off with a slap on the wrist and be sent on your way. If you have ever been convicted of a DUI in the past, this is especially true since the penalties are more severe with every conviction. >

It can happen to you…

Most people never think that they will be arrested for drunk driving or that someone in their family may be. Still, it is incredibly common. According to self-reported statistics, there are over 112 million cases of drunk driving in the U.S. every year. That creates a lot of opportunities for arrests and for car accidents. In fact, every 51 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related car crash. That should be enough to give you and anyone pause.

I understand that most of my clients never expect to drive drunk. Even if they have gotten a DUI a few years back, most people don’t go to the bar expecting to get behind the wheel intoxicated. It just happens. It is as simple as meeting up with friends for a drink after work, not eating, being sick or tired, and getting over the legal limit in a matter of an hour or two. It’s so simple that it happens on a daily basis. When it does, and you are arrested, you need a DUI lawyer to ensure that you don’t have to spend years living with the consequences.

The biggest age group that is at risk of being involved in an alcohol-related crash is people between the ages of 21 and 24. If you are a parent, it is important that you take the time to talk to your kids about this. Since talking is only the start, we recommend that you offer to either drive when they go out or give them money for a cab. Yes, this is a simple and obvious step but most parents don’t do it. If you want your kids to stay safe and prevent an accident, take the time.

The consequences

As a DUI lawyer, I know that if you are arrested for drunk driving, you can expect to have some legal consequences. Many people don’t realize that this is not your average speeding ticket. Sure, if you are speeding you will pay a fine and move on. Your insurance rates may go up but as long as you don’t get too many of them, you’ll be fine. This is not the case with a DUI charge. This is a criminal charge, and if you are convicted, it will go on your record. Simultaneously, you will need to pay a fine, and if this is a subsequent charge, you may spend time in jail. Depending on what you do for a living, this could have serious consequences. For this reason, you shouldn’t delay in getting help.