Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in United States

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Wilkerson & Mulligan
La Quinta, United States

Founded in 2013
3 people in their team
English
Wilkerson & Mulligan concentrates on criminal defense in the Coachella Valley, handling DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, gun crimes, and related matters. Forest Wilkerson has practiced law in the Coachella Valley since 2006 and, with Joshua Mulligan, the firm offers a two attorney...
South Sound Law Group
Tacoma, United States

Founded in 2007
3 people in their team
English
South Sound Law Group is a family owned and run law firm based in Tacoma, Washington, with a long history of serving clients across western Washington. The firm traces its roots to nearly forty years of private practice started by William A. White, and continues today under the leadership of his...
Hotard & Hise, LLC Attorneys at Law
Clarkesville, United States

Founded in 2009
3 people in their team
English
About Hotard & HiseIn 2012, T. Gabriel Hotard Jr. and Tricia L. Hise combined their individual law practices to form Hotard & Hise. Together with attorney Tara Simmons and our team of paralegals and other staff, we provide a broad range of legal services to our clients in northern...
Combs Waterkotte - St. Louis

Combs Waterkotte - St. Louis

30 minutes Free Consultation
St Louis, United States

Founded in 2024
15 people in their team
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri's Leading Criminal Defense & DWI Law Firm.Whether you are being accused of serious criminal charges or are dealing with a DWI charge, the consequences of a conviction can significantly change your life. You want to work with attorneys who will fight fiercely for...
Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg
Palm Desert, United States

6 people in their team
English
The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg is a litigation-focused firm based in Palm Desert, California, known for deep trial experience and high professional recognition. The firm pairs Rodney Soda, a veteran trial lawyer with decades of courtroom work and a Distinguished Lawyer award from the Desert...
Enrique Ramirez Law, PC
Houston, United States

English
Enrique Ramirez Law, PC is a Houston-based law firm focused on criminal defense, immigration and personal injury matters. The practice is led by Enrique Ramirez, a graduate of South Texas College of Law, and emphasizes hands-on representation in DWI, drug transportation, theft, criminal mischief,...
Dore Law Firm
Portland, United States

2 people in their team
English
Dore Law Firm is a Portland based criminal defense practice led by attorney Blake Dore. The firm brings extensive courtroom experience to each matter, having handled thousands of cases and taken more than 80 matters to jury trial. Licensed to practice in both Oregon and Washington, the firm focuses...
Extradition Law Firm
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 2014
17 people in their team
Russian
English
Ukrainian
Belarusian
Extradition Law Firm is a boutique law firm specializing in the areas of extradition defense, criminal defense, human rights and migration law in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and internationally. Our English-speaking criminal attorneys also represent our clients in countries abroad, including...
Scott Russell, Attorney At Law
Monticello, United States

1 person in their team
English
Scott Russell Law is a Monticello, New York law practice led by Scott A. Russell, a former Sullivan County prosecutor with more than two decades of experience. The firm concentrates its litigation and defense work on traffic offenses, DWI and DUI matters, criminal defense and personal injury...
Garmo & Kiste, PLC
Troy, United States

8 people in their team
English
Garmo & Kiste, PLC is a Troy, Michigan based law firm that provides personal, dependable and accessible legal representation to individuals and businesses. The firm emphasizes direct access to practicing attorneys, clear communication, and flexible payment plans to make quality legal services...
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About Drunk Driving Law in United States

Drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), is a significant legal concern in the United States. These laws dictate that an individual is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds a specified limit, typically 0.08%. Each state enforces DUI laws, including penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Enforcement is stringent, with a focus on reducing alcohol-related accidents and promoting road safety.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Here are common situations where individuals might require legal assistance with DUI charges:

  • If you are facing your first DUI charge and need to understand the potential consequences and defenses available.
  • If you have prior DUI convictions and are facing enhanced penalties.
  • If your DUI case involves additional charges, such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter.
  • If you believe your rights were violated during your arrest or the evidence against you is questionable.
  • If you need to negotiate a plea deal or need representation to fight the charge in court.
  • If you are a non-U.S. citizen, as a DUI conviction can affect immigration status.

Local Laws Overview

Drunk driving laws in the United States can vary by state, but there are several common elements:

  • Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): The legal limit for most drivers is 0.08% BAC. However, commercial drivers typically have a lower limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 usually have a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Implied Consent: By obtaining a driver's license, motorists agree to undergo chemical testing if law enforcement suspects DUI. Refusal can lead to automatic license suspension.
  • Penalties: DUIs can result in a variety of penalties, including fines, license suspension/revocation, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and in some cases, imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if Iโ€™m stopped by police on suspicion of DUI?

Remain calm, provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance, and if asked to take a field sobriety test or a preliminary breath test, know your stateโ€™s laws about compliance.

2. Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Refusal can result in license suspension due to implied consent laws, and may have other legal consequences depending on state laws.

3. What are the short-term and long-term consequences of a DUI?

Short-term consequences include fines, a temporary license suspension, and potential jail time. Long-term effects could involve increased insurance rates, a criminal record, and potentially affecting employment opportunities.

4. Can a DUI be expunged from my record?

Expungement eligibility varies by state. Some states allow expungement after certain conditions are met, while others do not permit DUI convictions to be expunged.

5. How does a DUI affect my auto insurance?

A DUI typically results in significantly increased insurance premiums, as you are considered a high-risk driver.

6. Can non-alcohol impairment lead to a DUI charge?

Yes, driving under the influence of drugs-whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal-can also result in a DUI charge.

7. What defenses are available in a DUI case?

Possible defenses include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and the accuracy/calibration of breathalyzer equipment.

8. What is a plea bargain in a DUI case?

A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and defense where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a lighter sentence.

9. Will I lose my license immediately after a DUI arrest?

Your license might be temporarily suspended, but you may be able to contest this through an administrative hearing.

10. Do DUI penalties increase for repeat offenses?

Yes, penalties typically become harsher with subsequent convictions, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.

Additional Resources

Consider reaching out to organizations and resources available for legal advice and support:

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
  • State-specific Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websites for local DUI laws
  • Legal aid societies or clinics offering pro bono legal services

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in a DUI matter, consider the following steps:

  1. Contact a Lawyer: Seek out a qualified DUI attorney who can provide personalized legal advice based on your specific situation.
  2. Gather Information: Collect all relevant documents and information regarding your DUI case, including police reports, court documents, and any evidence collected during the arrest.
  3. Attend Consultations: Meet with potential lawyers to discuss your case, their experience, and their approach to defending DUI cases.
  4. Be Proactive: Follow any legal advice given by your attorney and comply with all court requirements and deadlines.
  5. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with local DUI laws to better understand your rights and responsibilities.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United States through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Drunk Driving, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.