It is easy to see why drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in almost every state. Intoxication affects coordination and vision, turning you into a deadly threat to yourself and the people around you.
Statistics from United Nations Road Safety Collaboration suggest that about 20% of fatally injured drivers in high-income countries have an excess amount of alcohol in their blood. For mid-to low-income countries, these figures can reach 69%.
That said, a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can trouble you for a long time. It can cost you employment opportunities, cause money troubles, and increase insurance premiums. If the situation is grave, you may even have to spend time in prison.
Hawaii, in particular, is quite strict with DUI penalties. A conviction often leads to extended probation and steep fines. As part of the probation, you will have to get yourself enrolled in a substance abuse rehabilitation program and partake in community service, among other things. Repeat offenders are also susceptible to imprisonment.
However, a seasoned DUI attorney can help you fight your case and reach a desirable settlement in court. Here are a few reasons why you should hire a certified DUI lawyer to represent you.
DUI Attorneys in Kona Can Find the Gaps in Your Arrest
You need not start panicking just because you have been arrested. If there is enough evidence to prove that your arrest was unjustified, you may be able to get the charges dropped.
Given below are a few factors that can raise doubts about your arrest:
- The accuracy of your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was compromised
- There are uncertainties regarding the authenticity of your field sobriety test
- Your arrest was tainted with procedural problems.
We highly recommend that you hire a DUI attorney who can conduct an independent investigation on your behalf and discover pieces of evidence in support of your innocence. As professionals, they can spot a civil rights violation quicker than you.
DUI Attorneys Defend Against “Highly Intoxicated” Charges
The Hawaii legislature has created a “highly intoxicated” category for DUI offenses. Conviction requires the state prove that the defendant’s BAC at time of arrest exceeded .15 grams per 100 millimeters of blood or .15 grams per 210 liters of breath. When facing a highly intoxicated charge, challenging the accuracy of BAC tests often makes the difference between jail time and long revocations versus a lower charge with no jail time and shorter revocations or dismissal.
They Can Ensure That You Have a Fair Trial
In DUI cases, matters can get complicated if you have injured someone with your recklessness. The victim(s) or their family members will probably want to seek justice for the damages inflicted on them. As a result, you are most likely to end up before a judge.
You might be in the wrong, but you are still entitled to a fair trial. However, in such circumstances, self-representation is not ideal. A lot is riding on how the court proceedings play out. The stakes are high, and the consequences may be severe.
A DUI attorney may not be able to overturn the court’s verdict, but they can present your side of the story appropriately. They can also ensure that all your civil rights get reviewed.
They Know All about DUI Laws
If you are under the impression that DUI laws in Hawaii are simple, think again. The legal system is complex and constantly evolving. That’s why lawyers keep themselves updated on these changes.
Furthermore, most certified DUI lawyers handle drunk driving cases for a living, which makes their expertise invaluable. They can quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop a suitable game plan.
Consulting a lawyer might be your best shot at receiving a reduced sentence. You can schedule consultations with a DUI attorney to get the help you need.
They Know the System
Most experienced DUI lawyers know the legal system and its people well. Your DUI attorney may be able to leverage this knowledge to negotiate a favorable settlement for you. Depending on how complicated your case is, it could mean anything from a reduced sentence to dropped charges.
They Can Help You Get Your License Back
As per Guardian Interlock, Hawaii has implemented the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) guideline, according to which your license will be confiscated by the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office (ADLRO) if your BAC is above 0.8. Your license may also be taken away if you refuse to take the BAC test.
A revoked driver’s license can turn out to be a major inconvenience. You are bound to lose a bit of your personal freedom without the ability to drive a car. This is why you should always seek help from a skilled DUI lawyer. A DUI attorney can defend your case and help you regain your license quicker.
They Can Assist You with Paperwork
Paperwork is one of the most intimidating aspects of any legal procedure. You might have to fill up a significant number of forms, especially after an arrest. It can be a daunting task for someone unfamiliar with legal terms.
You may choose to fill out the forms yourself. But we will give you a fair warning that falling behind on the paperwork will not help your case in court.
Here’s where a DUI attorney can help. They can assist you with sifting through all the forms systematically so that you can get them done within the required deadlines.
Conclusion
Considering the far-reaching consequences of a DUI charge, it’s always wise to take it seriously. As discussed above, experienced DUI lawyers can draft an excellent case on your behalf to help you escape with little to no consequences. Also, in case you are penalized, your lawyer may be able to raise a plea bargain for a reduced sentence.
Talk to an Expert DUI Attorney Today!
Our team of legal consultants can help you sort out your DUI charges quickly and effectively. If you want to discuss your DUI conviction with one of our legal experts in Kona, feel free to call us on 808-331-3113 or schedule a consultation via our website.
