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Overview | Criminal Charges | Knowing Your Rights | DUI | Legal Fees
DUI
Facing
a charge of driving under the influence is a frightening experience.
A DUI is a gross misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of one year
in jail and $5000 in fines. Having a qualified attorney to advise
you of your options and help you prepare for each step of the process
can greatly reduce your anxiety and the severity of the outcome.
Dealing with an arrest for DUI is a two-part process. You will
face criminal charges, and must also face a Department of Licensing
tribunal to determine if your license will be revoked or suspended.
These two issues proceed independently of each other, so even if the
criminal charges are dropped, you may still have your license suspended.
Criminal Charges
The
criminal court portion of the charge can be lengthy and confusing.
You will be given a date for an arraignment, where you will be advised
of the charges against you. It is best to retain counsel as early
in the process as the arraignment, so you know what to expect moving
forward, and avoid any overly punitive conditions of release.
Your attorney can then guide you through the pre-trial conference, motions
hearings, readiness hearing, plea, and, if necessary, sentencing.
Department of Licensing
If
you are arrested for DUI, in addition to facing criminal charges, you
must appear before the Department of Licensing to learn whether your
license will be suspended. Because the Department of Licensing
is a civil, not criminal, department, the burden of proof is much lower.
Therefore, you need an experienced attorney to make compelling arguments
as to why you should be allowed to retain your license.
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