Bay Minette DUI Lawyers
You’ve been out on the town. Maybe you’ve been bowling at Tiger City Lanes. Maybe you’ve been hanging out at GK’s Pub. If you’ve been stopped by a cop while driving drunk, you likely have lots of fears running through your mind—how much will this cost you? Will you lose your license? Do you have to go to jail?
If going to jail is your first concern after a DUI arrest, we’re here to talk through your concerns with you and create a plan for your defense. Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne at 251-928-1915.
Hire an Attorney Immediately
Don’t wait to see if things get worse before you hire a lawyer. Every second spent without a lawyer is one more second the prosecutor has to build a case against you. Your attorney may need a considerable amount of time to secure a plea deal or get your charges dropped. Give them a head start by contacting them immediately.
Avoid Talking About Your Case
Driving while impaired is heavily frowned upon in most circles, and anything you say about your arrest could get back to the prosecutor and judge. Don’t post on social media about how unfair your traffic stop was or that you’ve driven after that amount of drinks numerous times without issue. Truly, anything you post or tell someone can weaken your case.
Imagine this scenario: you go in front of the judge, apologize, and tell them that you take these charges seriously and vow to change your ways. The prosecutor shows them a Facebook post where you share photos of your night out, claiming that it was all worth it even if you got arrested. Suddenly, you don’t look so apologetic or sincere.
Be Ready to Plead Your Case
In a first DUI conviction, the judge has the freedom to sentence you. There is no mandatory jail sentence, but there is mandatory probation. Because of this, many people are ordered to complete probation in lieu of jail time. However, the judge may need to see that you don’t need jail time to change your path. If you seem like you don’t care about a conviction or they think that you’ll go right back to driving while impaired, they may sentence you to jail time just to scare you. This isn’t a time to let your pride get in the way.
Explore Possible Defense Options
Of course, being charged with driving under the influence doesn’t guarantee a conviction. If you can get your charges dismissed, you don’t have to worry about jail time at all. Again, this is one of the key benefits of hiring a Fairhope DUI attorney right away. If they can find flaws in the prosecutor’s case or get damning evidence thrown out, your case could have a much different outcome.
Do Not Get Arrested for Driving Under the Influence Again
If you get another DUI conviction within five years of the first one, you will face a mandatory five-day jail sentence. You could be sentenced to up to one year of jail time. While a judge can choose to require 30 days of community service instead, don’t count on that.
If you do get convicted for driving under the influence, it is crucial that you avoid illegal activity, especially while you’re on probation or within five years of your first DUI conviction. The situation gets even more complicated if you have a DUI out of state, as each state’s DUI laws can cause you to face even steeper penalties.
A DUI conviction comes with a long list of consequences, and potential jail time is one of them. If you’re serious about protecting your rights and avoiding the stigma of a DUI, it’s time to talk to an attorney. Being proactive about your arrest can help you fight your charges and get the aggressive defense you deserve.
Protect Your Future—Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne Now
At Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne, we believe in protecting our clients’ rights and giving them a fighting chance as they work their way through the criminal justice system. Let us use our experience to help you as you navigate your DUI charges. Give us a call at 251-928-1915 or contact our team online to set up a consultation.
