A DUI charge needs to be taken seriously. That means that you need to find the best way to beat this accusation, but what is your most effective strategy? If you are having a hard time figuring that out, you may want to speak to a Bergen County, New Jersey DUI lawyer from our firm.
What Are the Punishments for a DUI Charge?
The potential punishments for a DUI charge are harsh, even if this is your first time being charged with a DUI or any other offense. A conviction can result in:
- Fines of up to $400
- MVC surcharges that need to be paid to the state
- Up to 30 days of jail time
- The mandatory use of an ignition interlock device
None of these penalties are pleasant to deal with, but the consequences of additional DUI charges can be even worse. Drivers who continue to get convicted of DUIs can lose their license for up to 10 years and spend six months in jail.
Can I Get a DUI Expunged From My Record?
Some criminal offenses can get removed, or “expunged,” from a record, giving someone a clean slate. A DUI charge cannot be expunged because it is considered a traffic offense, not a criminal offense. So if you are convicted, you are going to carry this around for life.
This means that any other future charges, like additional DUIs, could result in more severe punishments. A DUI conviction on your record can also damage you personally and professionally. This can make it harder to get jobs, secure loans, or live in some areas.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help Me?
This is why you need to take a DUI charge seriously and hire a lawyer who knows how to navigate these cases. Our DUI attorneys can look at your case and figure out the best course of action. Common defensive strategies include:
Questioning the cause for the stop: Cops have to have a good reason to pull you over. If we can show that this was a bad stop, we can get the evidence against you thrown out.
Blame a medical issue: Auto-brewery syndrome causes alcohol to ferment in a person’s digestive system, and that can throw off BAC readings. Some people have injuries or conditions that make field sobriety tests more difficult. Maybe your acid reflux caused a higher BAC reading. Medical issues interfere with roadside sobriety tests more often than you might think.
Saying that you were not driving: Prosecutors must show that you were actually driving the car. If you were in a parked car at the time cops found you, we can argue that you were not driving under the influence nor were you planning to.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are fighting a DUI charge, we are ready to assist you. Contact the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi and schedule an appointment with our team today. We can look at the facts of your case and develop the best possible defensive strategy.