Every state has laws regarding driving under the influence, and they are usually dependent on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as taken by a device known as a breathalyzer. If found above the limit, you may be charged with a DUI. If you happen to be in such a scenario, here are some facts that you should know so you can smartly handle these charges:
Car Insurance Increase
DUIs unfortunately can cause your car insurance to go up. So don’t be surprised to see these bills go up after being prosecuted. Insurance companies now see you as a high-risk driver. There are several ways you handle these increased costs. You can always try getting insurance from a new company. A lengthier option may be displaying good driving behavior over the next several years.
Handling the Charge Yourself
You have the right to handle a DUI charge on your own. However, doing so leaves you without some helpful resources. You will also have to gather paperwork from the police and criminal records on your own, a lengthy process that leaves you susceptible to all kinds of errors.
During your arraignment, you can plead guilty or not guilty. The former option is preferred if the BAC results are above the legal limit.
Hiring an Attorney
Hiring a DUI attorney near Puyallup is the best option if you are going to dispute the DUI charge. Your attorney will assess your situation, seeing what options are available to you. If they feel that your case isn’t strong enough, then plea bargaining may be an option. The goal of this process is to lessen your charge, which may include bringing it down to reckless driving.
However, if you have multiple DUIs on your record, your chances of plea bargaining are not that high. Instead, you and your lawyer may have to look towards sentence bargaining so that your time spent in jail is not as long.
When facing a DUI charge, your anxiety levels will definitely be higher. During this time, focus on coming up with the proper paperwork and seek the services of a Puyallup DUI lawyer. This professional offers all kinds of legal services that give you a way to defend yourself in a smart manner.
Sources
Why A DUI Lawyer Can Help You If You Get Charged With A DUI, k-belle.blogspot.com
Do I need a DUI Attorney for a first time offense?, avvo.com
