DUI Lawyers Anacortes offer legal assistance for individuals who are charged with DUI or driving under the influence. The classification of this charge depends upon the number of prior convictions the accused possesses in his or her criminal records. Previous charges additionally affect the way in which the judge will sentence these individuals when convicted of this violation.
First-time Convictions
Individuals without prior DUI convictions may receive lesser sentences than others who are accused of this crime. In some cases, the judge may provide these individuals with the option to seek treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Your attorney may discuss this plea bargain with the judge.
If you are approved for these sentencing options, the judge may waive the conviction and send you to a treatment center. He or she may add other stipulations to your sentence, which must be fulfilled to avoid a conviction. Failure to participate in the assigned program will result in reinstatement of your charges, and you will serve the strictest sentence available for your charge. This may include jail time, suspension of your license for up to a year, and required DUI school. Your fines may increase due to this failure and are at the judge’s discretion.
Local DUI Lawyers
Attorneys Powers and Costeck provide criminal-defense services for individuals who are charged with a criminal infraction. These cases include but are not limited to DUI, drug charges, and assault charges. These attorneys are skilled in methods utilized in criminal law to present reasonable doubt and to prevent a conviction based on insufficient or inconclusive evidence. To hire either of these attorneys for your case, you should contact them at the local number listed on their website.
Summary
DUI charges are classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the number of prior convictions. In some areas, the fourth DUI charge is considered a felony. However, in some cases the length of time between DUI charges may change this classification. A typical sentence for a first-time conviction requires payment of a fine, revocation of your driver’s license, and DUI schooling. If you are convicted of a fourth DUI charge, the fines are significantly higher, and you will spend time in county lockup.
