Driving under the influence, also known as DUI, is considered a crime in every state in the United States.
When a person operates a motor vehicle with alcohol or drugs in his or her system at a level that is high enough to be considered legally intoxicated in the jurisdiction he or she is currently in, the driver has committed a crime.
When a person has been accused of DUI, the first defensive step to take should be to seek legal counsel.
The legal counsel should come from a qualified criminal defense attorney who specializes in driving under the influence convictions.
This is an attorney who should also be skilled at trial law.
It is not advised for a person who has been accused of a crime to represent him or herself in court unless he or she is fully knowledgeable of the law and is experienced with court proceedings.
DUI attorneys have been specially trained in DUI defense and can therefore give the individual a proper fight chance in a court case against DUI.
Finding a good DUI lawyer is important because the penalties for a DUI conviction can be harsh if you are found guilty.
You may lose your right to drive, your insurance rates may go up, you may be denied entry into other countries if you plan to travel, you may be unable to rent a car - the list can go on.
One of the most serious penalties that could happen to you if you are found guilty is jail time.
You are encouraged to seek legal counsel immediately after an arrest so that an DUI attorney can get to work on representing your case.