Facing a DUI conviction is scary, and for good reason. The consequences and penalties of this charge can be far reaching and can affect finances, careers and civil rights.
Everyone facing this charge should consult with their lawyers about some potential defense strategies so that a not guilty charge is the outcome.
Penalties of a DUI
According to Money Crashers, there are numerous financial consequences that accompany a DUI conviction. There are legal fees, court fees and fines. Additional things that cost money include towing, alcohol education classes, an ignition interlock device, community service supervision and higher car insurance premiums.
Jail or prison time may be a possibility, even for a brief time. There are also driving restrictions, which make it difficult to get around. Missing work days due to court appearances or jail time also puts job security in danger.
A conviction can also result in limited civil liberties. These may include the inability to apply for scholarship, be a child care provider or have security clearances.
Potential defense strategies
According to Abraham Lincoln University, there are numerous strategies used to defend a DUI charge. One defense is to question the legality of the stop, as the officer must have reasonable suspicion. An attorney may argue that the officer did not have probable cause to make an arrest.
A common defense strategy is to question the breath test. There may be issues with the machine’s accuracy, or the attorney may argue the defendant has a health condition that can give a false BAC result. If there is a blood test, the attorney may use improper collection, inappropriate preservation or inaccurate analysis as defense arguments.