The laws against criminal activity in the United States are numerous are varied. One law in particular is one of the most notorious in the United States and unfortunately gets violated around the clock, and sometimes with serious repercussions. That law we are talking about is driving under the influence (DUI.) Make no mistake about it, getting charged with DUI is a serious offense and does not designate between the guy who drives drunk all the time and the well-to-do family man who made a one-time mistake.
Let’s look into how to avoid a DUI and some of the consequences of being charged with a DUI thanks to Mitch Drantch.
Tips for Avoiding a DUI
There is one failsafe way to avoid a DUI, never drink and drive. You don’t have to be drunk to be charged with DUI, even “buzzed” driving is still considered a DUI. If you consumed alcoholic drinks its best to call a cab, walk, grab a ride, or stay overnight if you can. Never put yourself or others at risk by attempting to drive while intoxicated, even if you are “just tipsy.”
Penalties of a DUI
Every DUI charge is different and the penalties associated with DUI will depend on different circumstances such as blood alcohol level, previous DUI convictions, whether there was an accident, injury and so on. That being said, here are some penalties you can expect from a first offense DUI.
- Revocation of driver’s license
- Victim impact panel attendance
- Jail time
- Steep fines
- Community service
- Mandatory drug and alcohol education classes
- Mandatory 12-step meeting attendance
What to Do if Charged with a DUI
If charged with a first time DUI you may decide to accept the penalties and get started taking care of them. If this is not your first DUI penalty, or if there are special circumstances surrounding your case, you should consult a lawyer. A lawyer will not take care of all your DUI associated problems but can unquestionably make the entire process less stressful and in some circumstances could have penalties lessened.
If there’s one surefire way to avoid a DUI, it’s by never drinking and driving. You could injure yourself or others and the penalties for even a first time offense can be steep. If you drink, don’t drive.
