I Got a DUI: Now What?

It’s every driver’s worst nightmare - having one too many and then seeing the flashing lights of a police cruiser in your rearview. If you have recently been through the experience of getting pulled over and arrest under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you’re likely worried about your future and what to do next.

Thankfully, when you have the support and expertise of a seasoned Montgomery criminal defense attorney by your side, you can take proactive steps to safeguard both your future and your rights. Their knowledge of the legal system and dedication to your case can lead to favorable outcomes, potentially resulting in the complete dismissal of the charges against you. This positive resolution can offer you the opportunity to move forward with your life, free from the burdens and stigma of the incident, as if it had never occurred.

Even a First-Time DUI Can Result in Serious Legal Consequences

As a person facing allegations of drunk driving, it’s important to understand that DUI is a serious criminal offense, and even a first-time conviction can result in extremely serious legal penalties. Some of the consequences of a conviction can include the following:

●    The loss of your driver’s license
●    Probation
●    Community service
●    Substantial fines
●    The installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
●    Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling
●    Jail time

Perhaps more worrisome to many are the potential collateral consequences of a DUI conviction. Any criminal conviction will become part of your criminal record, which can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even get into a college or university. In this way, DUI conviction can affect your life long after you have served your sentence and can actually have a direct impact on your quality of life and your future prospects.

How Can an Attorney Help?

There are various ways in which a lawyer may be able to help you after a DUI arrest. First of all, an arrest does not always lead to a conviction, and there may be ways to exclude key evidence that could force the prosecution to drop the case. For example, if the police lacked

reasonable suspicion to stop you in the first place, any evidence they gathered during the stop would likely be suppressed, meaning that the prosecution could not use it against you. Some other ways that the evidence gathered during your traffic stop could be excluded include:

●    If you were arrested after going a checkpoint, arguing that it did not comply with state and federal law
●    Establishing that the officer that stopped you did not follow the proper procedures in conducting sobriety testing
●    Showing that any blood or urine samples that you provided were not properly handled after your arrest

In some cases, it may also be possible to attack the accuracy of the evidence that was gathered even if it is admissible. For example, certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of alcohol intoxication. If you have one of these conditions, it may be possible to cast reasonable doubt on the state’s assertion that you were drunk at the time that you were pulled over. Finally, if there are no defenses available to you, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that gets you into a DUI diversion program , potentially avoiding a conviction altogether.

Call Luck Law Today to Schedule a Case Evaluation with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you're facing a DUI arrest in Montgomery or nearby areas, it's crucial to reach out to a seasoned attorney promptly. To arrange a consultation with a skilled criminal defense lawyer, please dial 334-262-5455 or connect with us online through Luck Law today.