Charged With A DUI? What You Should Know

When you go out and about on the town on any given occasion, the last thing that you may expect is to have a run-in with the law. However, if that has happened to you and you find yourself facing DUI (driving under the influence) charges, you may be at a loss as to what you can and should do given the circumstances. When you are struggling and trying to determine what course of action you should take regarding your DUI charges, you need to get to know some of the factors you should consider and whether you should accept the charges or fight them with the help of a DUI defense attorney. Then, you will be able to make the best possible decision for you and your current legal predicament.

Have You Had Legal Problems Before?

If you have been in legal trouble previously, this may have a significant bearing on your current DUI case. This, of course, depends on your previous charges or convictions. However, if any of those previous convictions are alcohol or drug-related, there is a good chance that the courts will pursue your DUI case more aggressively than they might for a first-time offender.

Because of this, any previous legal issues, especially those that may be related to or similar to a DUI will likely require the help of a professional DUI defense attorney. They will be able to best work with the judge and prosecutor to try to get you a plea agreement or will fight your case as well as possible to ensure that you get a fair trial.

Were There Additional Charges?

When people are charged with DUI offenses, there are often other charges that go along with it, though this is not always the case. Some of the charges that often go along with a DUI include resisting arrest, drunk and disorderly, assault, or other charges if an accident occurred as a result of the driving. There is also a type of DUI known as an aggravated DUI. This occurs when a person's blood alcohol level is especially high.

If you have multiple charges along with your DUI charge, it is imperative that you consult with a DUI defense attorney. The more charges you have, the worse the sentencing if you get convicted for all of them. Oftentimes, lawyers will negotiate the dropping of some charges depending on the circumstances and whether or not some kind of plea bargain can be reached. This is not something that you should try to negotiate on your own, though.

Now that you know a few questions to ask yourself when you have been charged with a DUI, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to properly deal with the situation. For more information, contact a DUI defense attorney, like one from The Ryan Law Firm.