What Do Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys Do?

A person can be charged for drunk driving when he or she drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance or is his or her mental faculties are otherwise impaired.  Even if a person does not believe that his or her faculties are impaired, if the person's blood alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit set for the state then he or she can be charged with a drunk riving offense.

All offenses that involve the operation of a vehicle (whether the vehicle is land-borne or water-borne) while intoxicated are criminal law matters, which could potentially incur a felony conviction and possibly a prison sentence, depending on how serious the charges are. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, or arrested for drunk driving, you should contact a qualified drunk driving attorney immediately.

Drunk Driving Offense Stages:
• Arraignment
• Plea Bargain
• Preliminary Hearing
• Appellate and Post Conviction
• Sentencing
• Expungement
• License Suspension

DMV Administrative Actions

In addition to the criminal drunk driving charges brought against you, your state's department of motor vehicles can also take administrative action against you if you are arrested for drunk driving.

An Administrative License Sanction may be legally imposed by state agencies without first requiring court orders. The exact scope, procedures, and limitations of administrative license sanction programs vary among states. In general, they are used to provide rapid, consistent treatment of offenders against the state's drunk driving defense laws or its DUI, DWS, DWR, and DWU laws. Typical administrative sanctions include license suspension, mandatory evaluation or treatment, fees, and education.

Depending on what state in which you are charged, drunk driving offenses can also be known as any of the following:

• DUI - Driving Under the Influence
• DUII - Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant
• DUIL - Driving Under the Influence of Liquor
• DWAI - Driving While Ability Impaired
• DWI - abbreviation could be interpreted as Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired, depending on the state in which you were arrested
• DWUI - Driving While Under the Influence
• OMVI - Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
• OUI - Operating Under the Influence
• OUIL - Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Liquor
• OUIN - Operating Under the Influence of Narcotics
• OWI - Operating While Intoxicated
• OWVI - Operating While Visibly Impaired
• UBAL - Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level

Should I hire a Drunk Driving Attorney?

Because drunk driving laws are complex, you not only need to hire a lawyer, but one who specifically specializes in drunk driving defense. Qualified drunk driving attorneys know that some of the enforcement and judicial procedures are unconstitutional and violate motorists' rights. They are more well versed with the different sobriety tests and their varying accuracy levels. Don't give up your rights. Contact an experienced Lead Counsel drunk driving defense lawyer who understands your particular needs and situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I refuse to take a field sobriety test if I have been pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving?
  If the police pull you over on suspicion of drunk driving, the police will typically try to give you not only a field sobriety test, but also a breathalyzer test (to test for your BAC … more
• What happens when someone is arrested for drunk driving?
  In connection with being arrested on charges of drunk driving, it is likely that you’ll be searched by the police, your car will get towed and you’ll be sent to jail where you’ll … more
• Do all states have aggravated drunk driving laws?
  No, but all states have laws or sentencing guidelines that can make a drunk driving conviction more severe. Plus, in response to the continuing trend of drinking and driving in the United … more
• How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving attorney?
  The cost of a drunk driving attorney varies depending on the state, the severity of the particular drunk driving offense and the time spent by a drunk driving attorney in defending a charged … more
• Can an attorney help me if I have been charged with drunk driving?
  If you are convicted of drunk driving in any state, you face serious fines and penalties; including a driver’s license suspension, probation, and even jail time. Accordingly, it is in your best … more

Free Legal Forms

• Examination of DWI Conviction Rate Procedures