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If you get charged with a DUI, your first priority needs to be forming a defense that can prevent you from getting convicted. Even a first DUI charge can result in heavy penalties, and a conviction can actually stay on your record for life. Fortunately, there are a few ways to defend yourself from an accusation of driving under the influence. A Mercer County first DUI lawyer from our firm can help you with that.
What Are the Penalties of a DUI Conviction?
Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in a harsh sentence. If you have a BAC, or blood alcohol content, between .08 and .10% punishments can include:
- A fine of up to $400
- Mandatory time at an intoxicated driver resource center
- Up to 30 days in jail
- The installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
Having a BAC of more than .10% can result in penalties that are even more severe. You should seriously consider hiring a criminal defense attorney who can look at your case and figure out the best way to fight back.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Fight a DUI Charge?
Your lawyer can help you fight a DUI charge by finding the most effective defensive strategy. We have a number of ways to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. We can argue that:
You have a medical condition: Allergies can make your eyes look red, just like alcohol can. Poor coordination during a field sobriety test could be due to an injury or a disease that affects your physical capabilities. A higher BAC reading than expected could be due to diabetes or another condition that throws off the breathalyzer. You should not be punished for a DUI if there was a misunderstanding due to a medical issue.
The breathalyzer was wrong: No device is infallible, and that includes the breathalyzer used to test for your BAC. Maybe the breathalyzer was poorly calibrated or maintained, or it might have just picked up alcohol residue in your mouth that caused it to give a higher reading than it should have. There are many things that can interfere with a breathalyzer test’s accuracy.
The DUI blood test was incorrect: A blood test can be used to see if a driver was inebriated, but samples can sit around for days before testing. If a sample was not properly stored or handled, that blood test result can be questioned.
Your intoxication was involuntary: If someone spiked the drinks at a party and you did not know about it, you might be able to claim that you did not know that you were intoxicated and that you became impaired without your knowledge or consent.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Team
You need to take this charge seriously, so make sure that you have an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring and schedule a consultation today. The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin formulating your defense.
