Three Reasons To Hire An Attorney After A First-Time Arrest For Driving Under The Influence

If you've been arrested for the first time because you were driving under the influence, do not admit to wrongdoing and let an attorney do the talking for you. The last thing you should do is answer a lot of questions and plead guilty to any charges filed against you. Although it is true that it could be difficult for an attorney to have the charges against you dropped, there are a few things an attorney can do for you after a DUI arrest.

They may be able to save your license

Most people use their car to travel to work, but if you have a public transportation system in your city, you can use it to get to work. However, if you drive as part of your job, such as if you are a delivery driver or cab driver, having your license suspended could leave you unemployed. Even a first-offender can lose their license. In many jurisdictions, it's mandatory. An attorney may be able to save your license, at least for the purpose of work.

They may be able to mitigate the charges against you

This is the most important part of having an attorney. The district attorney may not show any leniency towards a first-time drunk driver. The problem for you is being charged and then found guilty of a felony. You may want to plead guilty so you can put the incident behind you. But having a felony on your record can change the rest of your life. An attorney can often make a plea deal so your charge is reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

They may be able to save your job

Naturally, if a part of your job involves driving, without a license, you will be out of work. But there are situations where a felony DUI can lead to your dismissal. This is especially true of professional employment, where there is a premium placed on reputation. Employers who have a moral clause in their employee contracts can easily decide to let you go.

If you've been arrested for DUI, there is a tendency for people to make matters worse by speaking to law enforcement officers. Whatever you say will truly be used against you; it's not something you just see on television or in the movies. Say as little as possible, and hire an attorney. They may be able to save your job and your license, and perhaps reduce a felony to a misdemeanor.

Contact a DUI lawyer for more information.