Emotional Impact of a DUI Charge
For many people faced with DUI, a DUI defense attorney is more than just their lawyer—they are a counselor. Because DUI defense attorneys have represented so many clients charged with DUI, they understand the emotional impact that this devastating charge can have on a person’s life. And it makes many of them want to fight harder in court to save a person from a lifetime of sadness and shame associated with a DUI. Many lawyers will tell you that their clients are law-abiding citizens who may have made a poor decision one day. Often times they are people who have never even received a ticket let alone been arrested! They are scared, confused and need more than a lawyer but a caring person to help them through this difficult process. It just comes with the territory of being a DUI defense attorney.
And it doesn’t help that the laws and penalties for DUI have only gotten worse. In many states, a person convicted of DUI can face jail time, probation, community service, expensive fines, alcohol and/or drug education classes, loss of driver’s license and insurance and the installation of an ignition interlock system.
A DUI conviction can also make it difficult for you to find another job or apply for school. This is not something a potential employer or college wants to see on a record of one of their applicants.
With all of these penalties a possibility, it’s no wonder that those charged with DUI become emotionally unstable. It’s embarrassing and unsettling to be arrested and put on trial to be judged by a group of your peers.
But the good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. A DUI defense attorney can give you hope by explaining to you that you have rights and that there are always weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They have the burden of proof and if they make one mistake along the way, it could mean your case could be dismissed.
Just remember that the sooner you contact an attorney the better. He or she will need to start on your case right away in order to build a solid defense.
