If you have been charged with a first-time DUI, there are a few actions that can help with understanding charges, and, hopefully, lead to either lessening or fighting these charges. Sometimes the courts go easier on first-time offenders and can make plea deals or dismiss cases if those charged know how to proceed. Here are three tips that first-time offenders can use to help navigate their DUI charges.
1. Chances of Pleading Down to a Lesser Charge
With the right DUI attorney in your court, you might be able to plead down your charges to reckless driving. This lesser offense and won't affect your driving record as much as a DUI would. Many times, first-time offenders are able to work with courts and judges to request pleading down charged and can be given a little leeway. Lesser charges will still come with penalties and fees, but the judges making the call tend to go easier on first-time offenders who have learned their lesson through the process.
2. Pulling Together Finances for DUI a Lawyer
If you are hoping to fight or lessen first-time DUI charges, don't expect this to be an inexpensive process. It is important to act fast and get a DUI attorney on your side to help with this. You can either work out a payment plan for the future or try to find another source that you can borrow from in the meantime. Paying back a personal loan, family member, or attorney over time is better than not putting up your best fight. Attorney fees for a DUI charge might seem steep, but will be worth it in the long run if you can have this taken off of your record.
3. Don't Shy Away from Rehabilitation Programs
Sometimes, DUI convictions will be unavoidable. This doesn't mean that this is the end of the road or your fight to clear your record. Many times first-time DUI offenders can attend rehabilitation programs or undergo some type of probation after they are convicted. These steps can help an individual have their DUI expunged from their record at a later date, which will seal this from one's permanent record. This will involve a DUI lawyer and heading back to court, but the time, money and effort can be worth it to clear your record.
DUI charges are a serious offense and shouldn't be taken lightly. That doesn't mean that you should accept your fate and plead guilty to charges. Be sure to find an experienced DUI attorney (such as H Edward Andrews III) that knows the ins and outs about DUI convictions and can make sure that your case is reviewed correctly. Anything that might help your case as a first-time offender should be brought to light in court.
Share28 March 2016
Were you injured at work and fighting to get the workers compensation that you have paid into each year? Sometimes, getting those payments can be very difficult. What do you do when an employer fights the claim? Do you need a lawyer to help you through the process? How will you pay for a lawyer if you cannot even pay your electric bill? You are probably as lost as I was when I went through the process. Fortunately, you can learn from my experience with the system and find the answers to many of the questions that you have about filing a workers comp claim and fighting the system when it is denied.
