Driving under the influence is illegal across the US, but penalties from state-to-state will differ. DUI is dangerous for all who are on the road when you are and can result in serious injury or death.
There are many factors determining the severity of charges and penalties when arrested for DUI. These factors include your blood alcohol content, previous crimes or DUI offenses, and whether anyone was injured or killed in a DUI accident.
It may be necessary to hire a lawyer when you are charged with DUI. A lawyer can help you get charges reduced or mitigate a reduced sentence. Here are more reasons why you should get a lawyer for DUI lawsuits:
Getting an opinion
DUI law is complicated and an ordinary citizen might not be able to make sense of it. Hiring a DUI lawyer can help ease out these complications, as they are skilled and knowledgeable in the field.
A DUI lawyer can also weigh up the pros and cons of your case and advise you of the ways to move forward. Many attorneys will offer a free initial consultation, or require a small fee. This small amount of time and money might be worthwhile if you receive sound advice.
Furthermore, meeting a lawyer face-to-face could give you a good indication of who you are dealing with before you hire them to take your case.
Testing demands
When you are charged with DUI, there are implementations that may occur. Some of the more expensive requirements may include installing a breathalyzer in your vehicle. This would require you blowing below the legal limit before the vehicle can be started.
Other requirements may include daily urine testing. If you miss a urine test, you may face penalties such as fines or jail time. Facing daily urinalysis might be difficult and costly, especially if your vehicle was impounded or your license suspended. Hiring a DUI Lawyer in Kansas City can help reduce or mitigate testing requirements to spare you unnecessary expenses or penalties.
Protect your future
If a DUI is not dealt with appropriately, you could end up with a permanent criminal record. A permanent criminal record will affect your ability to be employed in the future. Some sectors, such as education and medical care, will not hire someone with a criminal record at all, regardless of what the charges are.
A lawyer that specializes in DUI cases can help ensure your charges do not end up on a permanent criminal record. Criminal lawyers in Kansas City are trained and skilled in this field, and can help you protect your future by taking your case. While DUI may be illegal, it is a relatively minor offense if nobody is injured or killed, and should be handled as a minor offense.
Maintain your license and reduce insurance
A lawyer can help ensure that you remain a licensed driver even after being charged and sentenced for DUI. Lawyers have the skills and knowledge to provide evidence and negotiation to ensure you maintain your regular lifestyle.
This may depend on many factors, such as the number of offenses and whether anyone was injured or killed in a DUI accident. However, if you’re a first-time or minor offender, then it is possible to keep your license.
Furthermore, insurance companies might increase your premiums after a DUI charge. This is similar to what they would do if you had an accident, except the premium increases significantly for three to five years after your charge.
A high-risk insurance premium can set you back thousands of dollars of this time frame, so it is important to have a lawyer who can help you out. A lawyer could negotiate for the premiums to increase slightly or not at all, saving you money.