Fighting For My Reputation

Charged With A DUI? Three Situations In Which You Should Hire A DUI Attorney

17 July 2017

Luke Warren

If you were charged with a DUI, you may be thinking about hiring a DUI attorney or a criminal defense attorney to assist with your case. Both attorneys can help defend you against the charges and help to get the charges possibly dismissed or reduced. However, in some situations, it is more critical that you hire an attorney to defend you than others. Here are three situations in which you will want to ensure you work with an attorney and the reasons why.

You Had a Child in the Car With You

In the majority of states, a DUI charge itself is a misdemeanor. But there are special circumstances which elevate it to a felony. One of the things that can raise it to a felony is driving impaired while you have a child in the car with you. If you were driving while under the influence or while impaired with a child with you, you may also be charged with child endangerment charges. A felony DUI carries with it larger fines and longer sentences. As such, you will want an attorney working to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed to help you avoid possible fines, having your license suspended and possible jail time.

You are an Illegal Immigrant

If you are an illegal immigrant, or you are in the country on a visa, you may want to look into hiring a DUI attorney if you are facing these charges. Those who are facing criminal charges or have been convicted of a criminal charge and are in the country illegally or with a visa that has restrictions may be deported. As such, if you are facing any criminal charges, you will want to hire an attorney to help represent you and get the charges dismissed. In many cases, this may be your best chance of being allowed to stay in the country.

You Have Two Prior DUI Convictions

The last situation in which you should hire an attorney is if you have been convicted of two prior DUI or DWI charges in the past. In most states, a DUI charge with two prior convictions is an automatic felony charge. Many states have mandatory jail time for a third DUI conviction, longer probation periods, harsher penalties and a longer license suspension period. If you have been convicted of two DUIs in the past, and find yourself facing a third charge, you will want an attorney to defend you against these charges.

A DUI is a serious, criminal charge. If you have been charged with a DUI, a DUI attorney or criminal defense attorney can help you. Call one today to schedule a consultation and get advice about your charges.

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