Driving under the influence of any drug or alcohol is a very serious offense. When an individual is doing such being pulled over by a police officer can be very scary. Although it may seem that being arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot be defended, there are several defenses available to an individual charged with driving under the influence charge. Just like any other criminal charge, if an individual is charged with a DUI this can string on a new set of charges and criminal issues. If you have never encountered law-enforcement, it is understandable to have questions that you want to ask. However, without your attorney available when you are being detained that is not the right time to ask those questions. For starters, you need to understand what a DUI is, how you obtained that DUI charge, and what your legal options are following the DUI.
Usually following a DUI stop, law-enforcement will ask if you have been drinking or under the influence of drugs. This answer does not determine whether or not you will be arrested, there are tests that are done at the scene and/or the jail that will determine if you will be charged with a DUI. In most cases, a field sobriety test is done. The officer may ask that you walk in a straight line, or simply say your alphabet either backward or forward. Failing the simple test can result in a DUI arrest. The most popular is the breathalyzer. This is when you blow into a machine that will determine your alcohol level. Depending on the legal limit in your area you may be arrested for DUI based on this number alone.
No matter what the number is, there may still be a chance for you to save yourself, your license, and your criminal record. By speaking with a criminal defense attorney in the area that offense was charged to you, you will be able to understand what your legal rights are and what you can do moving forward. Having a criminal defense attorney will assist you in building your defense and reviewing the details of your arrest. There are some cases where things were done improperly and that may work out in your favor immensely. Should you or someone you know be charged with the DUI, contact a DUI lawyer in Dekalb County, GA as soon as possible.
Thanks to The Lynch Law Group for their insight into criminal law and DUI charges.