Drunk driving charges are serious criminal charges that can carry potential serious penalties and consequences that can have a lifetime impact on accused individuals. What are these potential penalties and consequences and what can accused individuals do when they are facing them? It is important for accused individuals to have answers to their questions.
Individuals accused of a DUI may face a combination of different penalties including fines; incarceration; suspension or revocation of a driver’s license; a drug and alcohol abuse course requirement; probation; and a criminal record. In addition, the accused individual could be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. These penalties can be personally and financially costly when an accused individual is facing potentially life-altering drunk driving charges.
In some circumstances, penalties can increase or be harsher if the accused individual has multiple DUI charges and accusations. Because drunk driving penalties can have such a significant impact on the lives of accused individuals, it is essential for them to be familiar with their criminal defense rights. Criminal defense protections are available to ensure authorities follow required procedures and that evidence that is alleged against the accused individual is properly collected.
Accusations of driving under the influence demand a strong criminal defense strategy which may include evaluation of the alleged facts or the conduct of police. If authorities violated any of the accused individual’s criminal defense rights, it may be possible to challenge the criminal defense charges that result and can help accused individuals with the charges and potential penalties they are facing.