Illinois drivers, who have consumed too much alcohol, can be stopped for DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol. Illinois police officers can use field sobriety tests to provide additional DUI evidence and to establish probable cause for an Illinois DUI arrest. Field sobriety tests are most effective at identifying drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08% or greater- which is the illegal limit for every state.

Law enforcement officers have used field sobriety tests for many years. Field sobriety testing which was standardized in the late 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are not always 100% accurate and can depend on the subjective analysis of Illinois police officers.

Illinois drivers, who have failed a field sobriety test, can contact an Illinois DUI lawyer for information about their Illinois DUI arrest. Contacting an Illinois attorney can allow a driver to challenge the reliability of the test. Certain conditions may make it difficult for drivers to pass a field sobriety test including:

• The physical limitations of the Illinois driver
• If the driver is more than 50 pounds over weight
• If the driver is over the age of 65
• Inadequate lighting for the test
• Poor weather conditions
• Inadequate testing instructions given prior to the Illinois test

Hiring an Illinois DUI Lawyer

Illinois DUI lawyers can help with every step of the DUI process including: evaluating the DUI arrest, determining if the police officer had probable cause for the DUI arrest and developing a DUI defense. A DUI conviction can have severe penalties for Illinois drivers including:

• Paying high fines and fees
• Attending a mandatory drug and alcohol education program
• Requiring drivers to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle
• Loss of driving privileges in Illinois
• Performing mandatory community service

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Illinois police officers can use the HGN or the horizontal gaze nystagmus test to measure the nystagmus or the “congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the Illinois driver’s eyeballs”. While this condition is common for all drivers, it is pronounced for drivers who are intoxicated.

For the HGN test, an Illinois officer will have a driver track a small light or pen with their eyes while holding their head steady. Drivers who are not intoxicated can track the light with a controlled movement. Intoxicated drivers, however, will have an exaggerated jerking eye motion as they track the object. Police officers are supposed to grade a driver’s intoxication level using the NHTSA testing standards:

• Is the Illinois driver able to follow an object consistently and smoothly with their eyes?
• Is the driver’s Nystagmus distinct when the eye is at maximum deviation?
• Is the angle of the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees?

There are certain inhalants, barbiturates and medications which can also be detected with the HGN test. Fatigue, severe head injury, congenital eye defects and neurological conditions can also cause a driver to fail an HGN test.

Walk the Line Test

The walk the line test allows the Illinois police officer to determine if drivers are able to perform cognitive and physical tasks simultaneously. For the walk the line test the officer will ask drivers to stand on a real or an imaginary line, face forward, with their arms to their sides. The driver is than asked to walk 9 steps down the line, turn and return. Illinois police officers should use the NHTSA criteria to evaluate a driver’s intoxication level:

• · Drivers are not able to balance on a line.
• Drivers start the test prior to the completion of the instructions.
• The driver loses balance prior to beginning of the test.
• Drivers take the wrong number of steps.
• The driver does not walk heel to toe.
• The driver does not turn properly.
• The driver stops midway through the test.
• The driver has to use their arms to maintain balance.

The test should be performed on a solid, hard, dry surface. Instructions should be given prior to the test. Some drivers with physical limitations may have difficulty performing this test.

One Leg Stand Test

Illinois officers can also test the intoxication of drivers and whether or not they are DUI in Illinois with the one leg stand test. Prior to the one leg stand test the driver should be given directions and a demonstration of the proper testing technique. Illinois drivers are asked to stand straight, arms to their sides, facing forward. The driver should be able to raise one of their feet approximately 6 inches off the ground for 30 seconds. Illinois police officers should evaluate the driver on the four NHTSA testing criteria:

• Is a driver able to maintain their balance with out swaying back and forth?
• Does the driver have to bounce to keep from falling?
• Does the driver lower their foot before the test is completed?
• Does the driver raise their arms to stay balanced?

Did You Fail A Field Sobriety Test?

Drivers can be arrested for DUI if they are under the influence of alcohol and are unable to safely operate a motorized vehicle or if the driver’s BAC is over the legal limit. DUI attorneys in Illinois can evaluate an Illinois DUI arrest and make sure all of the proper DUI testing procedures were followed and the Illinois police officer had probable cause for a DUI arrest. Drivers may be able to legally refuse am Illinois field sobriety test, but it may not stop officer from arresting the driver for DUI.

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While state laws differ, driving under the influence of drugs can not only lead to similar charges as an alcohol related DUI, but in some cases it can lead to even harsher penalties. This post highlights how to handle a drug related DUI charge.

What drugs are we talking about?
Actually, you can be charged with a DUI for over the counter drugs, not just illegal drugs. For example, if you took some over the counter medicine which made you tired, it could impair your driving. The officer could pull you over, could see you’re driving under the influence, and charge you. This occurs in all states. If you’re taking an illegal drug, and you are caught, it may lead to charges beyond a DUI. If you are caught with the drugs, for example, you could be charged with possession. Also, if you hurt someone while abusing drugs and driving, you could face felony charges (if you’re in an accident).

Why legal drugs?
Even if your drug is prescribed by a physician, you must take care not to put others in danger. The laws are in place to protect all drivers and pedestrians: you, the other drivers on the road, and people on the streets. If you are prescribed a medicine, take it at the dosage allowed, and drive, there is still a chance you can get a DUI charge. It’s important to speak with your doctor about what you can do. After all, some medicines can make your drowsy or otherwise impair your ability to drive. In these cases, you should not driver when experiencing the effects.

What do officers look for?
How an officer pulls you over for taking drugs, legal or illegal, is typically no different than if you’ve been drinking. If your driving is clearly impaired, the officer can tell. He or she will look to see if you are driving oddly, passing in and out of lanes, speeding, running red lights and stop signs – anything to pull you over in the first place, but not always breaking actual laws while driving.

What are the penalties?
The penalties can sometimes be more severe, especially if you’ve been taking illegal drugs and are caught with them. In other cases, you are charged with a customary DUI, with penalties depending on your actual history. If you’ve been pulled over multiple times for abusing drugs and driving, for example, you would get harsher penalties. For a first time DUI, a judge will suspend your license for a year, fine you for as much as $1,000, and also punish you with jail time. If you get multiple DUI charges, or if you hurt someone or endangered a minor, the charges are more strict.

What if you feel the charges are wrong?
Even if you feel the charges of a drug DUI charge are correct, you need an experienced lawyer to handle your case. Go local, go with experience, and consider different prices. An experienced DUI lawyer can defend you, sometimes defeating the charges, other times lessening the penalties.

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The problem with drinking and driving is not regulated to alcoholics, nor is it only created by repeat offenders. It can occur after one person abuses alcohol and just one time makes the decision to get behind the wheel. In Georgia, this is driving under the influence (DUI), and is severally punished.

There are two ways to get arrested for a DUI in Georgia. There is the traditional DUI where you are driving incorrectly as a result of drinking. Signs officers look for are pretty obvious to everyone but the driver: passing between lanes, running red lights or stop signs, and driving too fast. If you’re pulled over, the officer may still give you a chemical sobriety test, but he or she can technically arrest you simply because of your driving.

The other form is called the “per se law” and relates to first giving the breathalyzer test to see your blood alcohol content (BAC) level. In all 50 states, if you’re .08% or higher, you will be arrested. In this case, the officer needs relevant reason to pull you over, but the basis of the arrest will be on the sobriety test. While other sobriety tests can be given, the breathalyzer and other BAC tests are the ones you always have to take.

What happens if you refuse or fail the BAC test?
Say you get pulled over driving from a party. The officer suspects you’ve been drinking, but you refuse the breathalyzer. Under Georgia law, your license is automatically suspended for one year. You have the right to appeal this in Georgia court, but these are rarely if ever stopped. If on the other hand you are asked, accept, and fail the BAC test, you are in no better territory. You will be charged with a Georgia DUI, and face all the penalties. So should you refuse any tests and take the penalty? Actually, you will run into many problems, because the penalties are automatic and rarely will you win an appeal. If the officer suspects you’ve been drinking, you may be charged anyways. If you actually pass the BAC, you can still be arrested but have a better chance.

The Penalties for a First Time Georgia DUI Offender
Your first DUI charge you ever receive or the first one in five years means you can expect to be fined, face jail time, have required community service, and have to go to a DUI school. The fines may seem small, from $300 to $1,000, but the jail time can be as much as 1 year. On the other hand, your license will be suspended for one year. If you continue to drive, and are pulled over, you face even more charges.

What happens if you get multiple DUI charges?
If you get two or more Georgia DUI violations, you can expect even stiffer penalties. This is where state laws are very similar: first time offenders face severe penalties, but if you get an aggravated DUI where you hurt or kill someone else, or if you simply get pulled over many times for drinking and driving, the fines, suspensions, jail time, and other penalties can literally ruin your life. You likely will face thousands in fines, many years of suspension, jail time in years, and face other problems.

What You Do
Yes, it can ruin your life, but there are ways to succeed after even multiple DUI violations. The first step is to hire an experienced Georgia DUI lawyer in your area. It’s a requirement almost for even first time offenders. It’s rare to defend a DUI and win a not guilty plea, but at the least you can lower penalties and get a second chance.

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San Francisco drivers who have been arrested for a DUI in California should contact a San Francisco DUI lawyer. It is unlawful for drivers to operate a motor vehicle if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if their BAC or blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. A San Francisco DUI attorney can review the driver’s DUI case and take immediate action to either help get the DUI charges dismissed or lowered.

San Francisco drivers who are convicted of DUI may face penalties including:

• Jail time

• Large penalties and fines

• Suspended or revoked driver’s license

• Increased San Francisco car insurance premiums

• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device

• Probation

Waiting to contact a DUI attorney in San Francisco is a mistake. Many San Francisco drivers assume it is best to plead guilty or no contest especially if it is their first DUI arrest, and under certain circumstances this may be the best choice, but it is always a good idea to consult with a DUI criminal defense attorney to make sure the driver understands DUI laws and how a DUI conviction can affect their life. Most San Francisco lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss a DUI arrest. DUI convictions in the state of California can be a part of a driver’s driving record for at least 7 years. Talk to a DUI lawyer today for more information about your DUI arrest.

San Francisco DUI penalties

San Francisco drivers can be arrested for DUI if the courts find they were “unable to drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, under similar circumstances” or if their BAC was 0.08 or higher. If a San Francisco driver is arrested, the penalties for DUI are as follows:

First DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Required to serve a jail term for at least 48 hours

• Required to pay fines from $1,400 to $1,800- DUI fines must be either financed or paid with in 45 days. The court may allow the driver to perform community service instead of jail time.

• Mandatory drug or alcohol program for 3 to 6 months

• License suspension for at least 10 months, a restricted license may be allowed to attend school or go to work

• Required probation of 3 to 5 years

Second DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Required jail term for a least of 96 hours

• Mandatory attendance in a program for drug or alcohol abuse

• Required to serve probation for 3 to 5 years

• Required to pay $1800 – $2800 in fines and penalties

• Required 18 month driver’s license suspension, the court may allow drivers to apply for a restricted license but not before the license is suspended for at least 12 months

Third DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Mandatory probation for 3 to 5 years

• Required jail term for at least 120 days

• Required to pay penalties of $1800-2800 in fines and penalties

• Mandatory driver’s license suspension for 18 months up to 3 years

• The court also may require a driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device

A DUI arrest in San Francisco is not like other moving traffic violations. Penalties can be very severe. If a driver has multiple DUI arrests or if they have severely injured or killed another person, they could be charged with a felony DUI and spend years in prison. California DUI attorneys can help. Find a DUI lawyer who is knowledgeable about San Francisco DUI laws and can help review your DUI arrest and either negotiate a reduced sentence or get the DUI charges dismissed. Obviously, no DUI lawyer can guarantee a dismissal, but a San Francisco lawyer can give you a strong voice in a busy, over-crowded DUI court system.

Find a San Francisco criminal defense attorney who has experience handling San Francisco DUI cases. If you have been charged with DUI in San Francisco you need a focused lawyer who specializes in DUI charges. A San Francisco DUI lawyer can be a strong advocate for you through out the DUI legal process.

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If you made a mistake by drinking and driving, you need a lawyer more than ever. Why? You need someone capable of defending you, especially if you feel the charges are wrong. If you want to plead guilty, thinking this will be easier, you still need a New York DWI lawyer. You can plead for lesser charges, find out the officer made mistakes, and much more.

Now let’s go into detail on these advantages.

For the Price, Hiring a Lawyer Is Worth It
Yes, a New York DWI lawyer will cost you some money. Lawyers have never been free, but they’re valuable for many reasons. Consider how much you’d be willing to keep your license or lessen the suspension, think how much you’d be willing to pay to stay out of jail, and then create a price. You’d likely, as we all would, do plenty to stay out of jail.

A typical fee for a DWI lawyer can be from $10,000 to $20,000. For a felony charge – if you’ve received more than one DWI charge or hurt someone – you might pay $25,000 or more. It depends on the time involved. That may seem like a lot, but sometimes you have to pay for experience.

Experience in DWI Court
You clearly want someone capable in court. You could hire the friend of a friend, the lawyer who offers to do it cheap, but in most of these cases, you’re losing out on experience. The big advantage here is in knowing laws, bargaining, and knowing what to argue.

Experience in Winning Cases
We all want to win the case that takes us to trial, but the difference with an experienced DWI lawyer is that they know how to win them. That’s priceless. You can ask your prospective lawyer his success rates. Of course, there is only so much you can disprove in a DWI case, and it’s not always about winning. Sometimes you want to lessen penalties.

Time Involved
The time involved is what makes the price higher for a DWI case. If your lawyer has time available to focus on your case, and the one you hire should, then that makes him or her an asset to you. They can know the laws, but more time means more chances they’ll find some mistakes. For example, the breathalyzer test may have been used incorrectly, ruining the prosecution’s case.

Lessening Penalties
If your DWI lawyer can actually prove mistakes were made, you don’t always win entirely. However, you may be able to prove doubt in the eyes of judge or jury, and they might lessen the suspension, fine, and jail time.

There are many more things an experienced DWI lawyer brings to the table. One might not be cheap, but he or she can earn your respect by winning.

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California DUI lawyers can help all California drivers who have been arrested for DUI. California laws make it illegal for any driver to drive “under the influence” or DUI of any alcoholic beverage or drug. California DUI laws consider drivers DUI if they are “unable to drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, under similar circumstances”. California field sobriety tests provide officers with the tools to identify drivers who are DUI and are best used to determine if a driver is driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher- which is illegal in every state.

Drivers who are arrested for a California DUI should contact a DUI attorney in California. Failing to get adequate DUI help can result in stiff California DUI penalties including:

• High fines
• Jail time
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
• Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling
• High insurance cost
• Driver’s license revocation or suspension

Field Sobriety Testing Process in California

Standardized in the late 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the help of the Southern California Research Institute, field sobriety tests have become a valuable tool for law enforcement officers through out the United States. Although not 100% accurate, field sobriety tests do provide additional evidence of DUI and can help a California police officer establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. Field sobriety testing accuracy is increased if the officer:

• Uses the proper field sobriety testing procedures outlined by the NHTSA
• Evaluates the field sobriety testing results correctly with the NHTSA testing criteria

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

California police officers can use the HGN or the horizontal gaze nystagmus to test a driver’s nystagmus or the “congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the eyeball”. Nystagmus is common in all drivers but intoxicated driver’s nystagmus is more exaggerated. For the HGN test the officer is evaluating the following NHTSA criteria:

• The California driver’s ability to follow an object smoothly
• If the Nystagmus is distinct when the eye is at maximum deviation
• If the angle of onset of nystagmus is prior to 45 degrees

For the HGN test, the California officer will ask the driver to follow an object, most often a small flashlight or pen, as the officer moves it slowly in front of the driver’s face from left to right. Sober drivers should be able to trace the outline of the object with their eyes (holding their head steady) with a smooth, coordinated motion.

Certain medications, inhalants or barbiturates can interfere with the tests. Additionally, drivers who have a congenital eye defect, neurological condition, extreme fatigue or severe head trauma may also not be able to successfully finish the HGN test. The NHTSA has determined through their research that this test is 88% accurate if sufficient clues are identified.

Walk the Line Test

The walk the line test is the second component of the California field sobriety test, and it is used to determine a driver’s cognitive and physical capabilities while performing a series of simple tasks. Drivers are first asked if they have any back, head or neck injuries which would make it difficult to complete this test. Drivers are than asked to stand straight with their head forward and their arms to their sides. California drivers must take 9 steps down a real or imaginary line, turn and walk back. All of the steps should be made heel to toe, and the driver should keep their arms to their sides. The NHTSA has outlined the following criteria to evaluate a driver’s performance:

• · Did the driver step off the line?
• · Did the driver wait to start the test until the California officer completed the instructions for the test?
• · Did the driver maintain their balance as the instructions were read or did they fall, hop or sway?
• · Did the driver walk the correct number of steps?
• · Did the driver walk heel to toe?
• · Did the driver turn properly?
• · Did the driver stop before the test was completed?
• · Did the driver use their arms for balance?

The walk the line test should be performed on a flat, dry surface. The California driver should be allowed to remove any foot wear which could hurt the testing results. The NHTSA has determined that 79% of drivers who fail two or more testing criteria will have a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

One Leg Stand Test

California drivers may also be asked to perform the one leg stand test, which like the walk the line test, is a test of the driver’s ability to complete simple mental and physical tasks. For the one leg stand test, the California driver is asked to stand straight, head forward and arms to their sides. The driver must raise one of their feet 6 inches off the ground for approximately 30 seconds. The California police officer will evaluate the driver on the following NHTSA criteria:

• · Did the driver stay balanced with out swaying back and forth?
• · Did the driver have to jump or hop to stay balanced?
• · Did the driver have to put their foot down before the test was completed?
• · Did the driver have to use their arms to maintain their balance?

In Conclusion

California field sobriety tests are a valuable tool for law enforcement officers to establish probable cause for a DUI in arrest in California. They are not perfect, and officers can make mistakes and misinterpret the DUI testing results. California drivers who have failed a California field sobriety test need DUI help from a California DUI lawyer. Failing a field sobriety test, refusing to take a field sobriety test or being arrested for DUI in California can have severe penalties. Contact a DUI California lawyer for more information about your DUI arrest.

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What should drivers do in the driving under the influence (DUI) arrest? Do you have to take breathalyzer or other sobriety tests? Who should you hire for Florida DUI defense?

Drinking and driving is punished across all 50 states. It’s a problem. Recent studies have pointed out that nationwide drinking and driving is a leading killer. Because of that, DUI penalties are very severe. You typically get your license suspended, pay fines, and face a jail sentence. If you get multiple charges for drinking and driving, whether you think you’re innocent or not you will face severe penalties.

So what happens if you do get pulled over? It would be incorrect to say both you can drink some and drive or you’ll always be over the limit when drinking and driving. The state blood alcoholic content (BAC) level for Florida is .08%, the same as all 50 states. Just because you drink does not mean you are over the limit. But as there is no safe way to know, it’s very wise never to mix alcohol and driving.

Now let’s go over some tips on how to handle the defense if you do get pulled over.

The Breathalyzer Test
Florida law allows you to refuse the breathalyzer test given to check BAC, but if you do refuse it you face very stiff penalties, sometimes worse than the DUI charge itself. In other words, you can refuse, but you will still be prosecuted. There are some things you don’t have to do, but most experienced Florida DUI lawyers will tell you to take the breath test.

Answering Questions
Some start explaining how the day went bad, some freely admit to the number of drinks they had, others start crying, and others simply explain too much. It’s wise to keep the details to yourself and let the officer ask his or her questions, but to refuse  to say anything which might be used against you later in a court of law. If you’re unsure, don’t answer any questions pertaining to drinking.

No Need to Take Sobriety Tests
This may be surprising, but Florida DUI law states it pretty clearly: there is no law in the books which says you need to stand on one leg for 30 seconds, count backwards, or say the alphabet in reverse. In fact, all these sobriety tests are optional. You can refuse them and will be breaking no law. Make sure you differentiate between the breathalyzer and the sobriety test: the breathalyzer you have to take or face charges, the sobriety test you don’t.

How to Handle Officers
As stated earlier, getting violent or starting to cry will never work in your favor. You should definitely never get physical with the officer. You also don’t beg the officer to let you go, or explain how it will ruin your life. Be polite, be clear on what you will and won’t say, and don’t do anything you feel you don’t have to.

How to Hire a Florida DUI Attorney
These tips so far have focused on how to help yourself in the court room before you even reach it. Why? The laws pertain to what you did, what you said, what you drank, and how you acted. Defending DUI includes all these things. The final tip would be to get the right counsel from an experienced Florida DUI attorney. If you follow the other 4 tips, he or she can fight can defend you with confidence.

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There are many common questions on California DUI laws, and this post will go over each question, each law, and what penalties you can expect.

California DUI – Your Arrest
You’ve been arrested, what next? The officer is required by law to forward a notice of suspension along with a report to the DMV. At this point, you can appeal to the DMV within 10 days stating how you thought the arrest was wrong. If approved, you get your license back. If not, you face charges of drinking and driving, and will be punished.

What are the penalties?
For first time offenses, you typically lose your license for six months, pays fines of about $1,500, face a mandatory 48 hour jail sentence, and appear in court. You also will have to take DUI classes. If this is not your first DUI, the penalties, as with all other states, get worse. You face longer license suspensions, higher fees, and longer jail sentences.

How do you get your license back?
At the end of your suspension, your license will be returned. You must also pay a fee of $125. If, however, you appeal and win, your license will be immediately returned to you. This is difficult without the right California DUI lawyer.

How can a lawyer help?
A lawyer is a necessary step in fighting for your rights and lessening penalties if not eliminating them. You can represent yourself in court, but it’s always wise to get professional counsel.

How much does a lawyer cost?
Fees vary, but lawyers are not free and this is a business. It will depend on the time required, but a good lawyer actually saves you time, money, and headaches, especially if you win an appeal. You have to consider how much you value your license, how much you want to avoid fines, and that you want to keep this off your record. And a lawyer is integral in getting your license back if you ever do lose it as part of a DUI or aggravated DUI.

What if you’re charged with a felony?
A felony charge can also be called an aggravated DUI, and this usually occurs for one of several reasons. You may have multiple DUI violations, you may have hit another driver or pedestrian while drinking and driving, or you may have been putting a minor in danger. If any of these occur, you get  a felony charge in some cases instead of a misdemeanor (you get a misdemeanor for a regular California DUI). Felony charges, as it sounds, can come with very severe penalties. This too makes it important to hire an experienced California DUI attorney.

How do you start over?
If you’re found guilty of a driving under the influence, lose your license, get fines, and have to serve jail time, it may seem like the end of the world. It’s not. If you can stay on track, and get the help of a lawyer, you can successfully get a second chance to be a driver. Just avoid ever drinking and driving again; the penalties get worse the more you do it.

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Sometimes bad situations can turn into learning experiences. When it comes to drinking and driving, no matter the charges, you may feel somewhat unsure of what happens after. What do you do with no drivers license, court fines, and having served or going to serve jail time?

It all depends on where you’re at. The problem is first time offenders are very common, but these same people getting pulled over again is all too common too. Whatever your problem, you can face stiff penalties. What happens after them?

After a First Time Offense
After your first DUI charge, you have some options. This may be the biggest learning experience for drivers, because you can effectively nip the problem in the bud and never get behind the wheel again. You still will have penalties: license suspension of 6 months or more, fines, and potentially jail time. For Michigan DUI offenses, the charges are as serious as other states. However, in Michigan, even your first DUI will stay on your record for life. It  can never be cleared.

After Multiple Offenses
You may be spending some time in jail, and it’s unlikely you’ll be driving anytime soon, at least legally.  The important thing is to avoid driving at all, because if you’re pulled over you will be arrested on the spot by a Detroit police officer. It’s a major problem which is why the punishment is so great. And it will extend your suspend license as well as other penalties.

After Penalties
After your penalties, life isn’t over. You can rebuild your life, but first you have to salvage what you can. This DUI will stay on your record, your license will be suspended, fines are common, and jail time from a few days to a few months may also occur. You just might have to serve time; there is nothing good in that. However, you can learn you lesson, fight if you believe you were treated wrongly, and start rebuilding once you get through all the penalties.

After Jail
Jail can be one of the biggest learning experiences, oddly enough. Michigan does put drinking and driving offenders in jail. If you hit another car or pedestrian and someone  was hurt, it’s very likely you’ll be spending time in jail or prison.

When  You Get a License Suspension
Driving is the worst thing you can do after a DUI offense. Do whatever you can to live without your car. This may mean biking to work, or having your spouse drive you.

When will it be over?
A Michigan DUI will never be expunged from your record, but you need not worry anymore if you’ve learned the lesson. Why are these penalties so strict? Drinking and driving fatalities are unfortunately very common, in Detroit and all of Michigan. The problem is so great that the penalties have to be enforced. Remember, just drinking greatly increases your chances of getting into an accident.

Rebuilding after a Detroit DUI is very possible. It’s not easy either, but you can expect life to get better once you get through it.

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According to the New York DMV, “Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a crime. If you are convicted, you will face a substantial fine, a mandatory surcharge, license revocation, higher insurance premiums, and a possible jail sentence. ” So how can you avoid these stiff penalties? It might be easy to say — never drink and drive — but that’s the #1 way to do so.

Why are the New York DWI laws so strict?
Traffic accidents are nationally some of the biggest killers in the country. And one third of deaths in New York state involve someone who’s been drinking or using drugs and driving. You are a danger to others driving, to pedestrians on the road, and if you have passengers, you’re putting them in danger.

If you are over the limit — the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is .08 for all 50 states — you are four time more likely to get into a car accident than someone who hasn’t been drinking. Also, young drivers are in some of the most danger; it makes sense, as the younger you are the less experience you have driving.

If you drink, it can alter your decision making process while driving, not seeing angles, turns, or traffic lights correctly. All it takes is one mistake and it could cost someone’s life and lead to an arrest.

So we know why New York State DWI laws are so strict. What can you do to avoid the stiff penalties?

Hire An Attorney
Your first choice may in fact be whether you should fight this case. If you believe the breathalyzer test was wrong, that you need not plead guilty to the charge, you can. There are some cases where sobriety tests are inaccurate. To do so, you need an experienced New York DWI attorney. They are not free, but a good one saves you time and money, doesn’t take it. Reading a guide like this one is good, but it does not mean you know everything there is to know.  You need someone who’s fought and won cases, if not  lessening charges. The best way to limit penalties is to hire the right attorney.

Defend
How will they defend you? An attorney may find out the officer acted incorrectly, that he or she had no right to pull you. You may have been pulled over for reasons other than your driving, such as how you look (if you’re a minority, for example). Also, the officer may have made mistakes in the arrest, incorrectly using the breathalyzer, or never reading your Miranda, or was inappropriate with you.

Always Hire a Taxi or Ask for a Ride
Finally, just avoid drinking and driving. If you’ve been through this situation once, that’s more than enough. If you never have to go through this process, you can avoid jail time, fines, and license suspensions. You can also be safer, and other drivers on the road will appreciate it.

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