Driving is a massive responsibility. You have to be mindful of people crossing the road, adhering to traffic safety laws and regularly maintaining your car when the icy weather hits. Unfortunately, the United States struggles with an epidemic of drunk driving. Also known as driving under the influence, criminal law sees an influx of offenders pouring into courtrooms year after year due to neglect and bad driving habits. Awareness is the first step toward curbing a damaging and potentially deadly trend. If you’re interested in learning about drunk driving rates or want to learn more about a DUI attorney cost, all your questions and more will be answered below.
What Is A DUI?
Short for ‘driving under the influence’, a DUI is issued when an individual is caught operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. This can also include illegal drugs or over-the-counter medications, the latter of which is known to cause severe drowsiness and impaired motor control. Although this term can vary from state to state (such as Ohio preferring the acronym ‘OVI’), this is an issue that is attempting to be dealt with countrywide.
What Is The Consequence Of A DUI?
People seek out the DUI attorney cost in an attempt to analyze the consequences of their arrest and reach a viable conclusion. Each state has different laws concerning drunk driving and, likewise, different consequences if an arrest is issued. For example, if you are convicted of an OVI in the state of Ohio you may have to pay a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000. Even a first-time OVI offense can result in six points on your license and a license reinstatement fee of at least $450.
What Is A Breathalyzer?
Technological advances have made it possible to actively address and prevent drunk driving before it even happens. A breathalyzer is used to detect alcohol on the breath, installed in the vehicles of repeat offenders in an attempt to stave off a potential accident. Additional drunk driving hindrances include ignition locks, which have seen a significant surge over the past few years as technology has improved.
What Else Should I Know?
Drunk driving is at an all-time high and sees DUI laws by state fluctuating as a result. The state of Ohio alone has more than one million drivers — an estimated one in every seven licensed drivers — has at least one conviction, if not several, for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, nearly 45,000 people have five or more OVI convictions on their record. A DUI has many long-term consequences — while the short-term sees fines and license suspension, you could also receive a criminal record that affects your ability to gain meaningful employment or loans.
How Can A Drunk Driving Attorney Help?
A DUI attorney cost is important to consider in order to gain the legal resources and assistance necessary to reach a reasonable conclusion. Breathalyzer tests, blood tests and urine tests must all be properly administered and recorded. Otherwise these are unable to be used in the court of law and your case will not proceed as planned. Charges of a DUI or OVI require an experienced attorney to be present in order to protect your rights and take appropriate action. Everything from questioning witnesses to gathering your personal information will be much easier once you figure out a DUI attorney cost. Contact your local legal firm, meet with an Ohio criminal attorney and see how they can assist you if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.