Las Vegas is known to get people into trouble, but you don’t want the kind of trouble that jeopardizes your future and incurs fees totaling thousands of dollars. If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, though, that’s what you’re likely facing. The average cost of a DUI is over $7,000 — and that’s just the financial expense. A DUI could also cost you your job, relationships, and peace of mind. If you’re wondering how a DUI will impact your life, consider the following FAQs and think about hiring a DUI lawyer near me.
Does My License Have To Be Suspended?
When you’re charged with a DUI in Las Vegas, you will face both a criminal case and a DMV case. The criminal case determines whether you will be convicted on criminal charges, and the DMV case determines the impact on your driving privileges. In order to retain an unrestricted license, the defendant must win both. DMV cases entail a lower burden of proof and are harder to win, but with the right DUI lawyer near me, you can fight to retain your license in spite of the charges.
For first-time offenders, even if you do not win the DMV case, you may be able to obtain a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to continue driving but only to specific places such as work, school, grocery stores, or medical facilities. These restrictions are designed to limit a DUI offender’s time spent driving while still allowing you to maintain the normal functions of your life. It’s often an ideal outcome for defendants who win their criminal case but lose their DMV case.
Does a DUI Show on a Background Check?
In a word, yes. A DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for seven years, even if it is a misdemeanor. After seven years, it can be sealed. Felony DUI convictions, however, can never be sealed and are included in an offender’s criminal record forever. Misdemeanor and felony convictions can both have a devastating impact on your life, including the following potential consequences:
- Jail or prison sentences
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Difficulty finding employment
- Child custody implications
- Loss of financial aid for college
- Denial of a housing application
These are in addition to the possible suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. A criminal record — even for a single misdemeanor — can prevent you from achieving your goals and accessing resources. Hiring a lawyer can minimize the possibility of these outcomes, though, and help you recover from a DUI charge. If you wish to avoid these consequences, you need a DUI lawyer near me to advocate for you in court.
Why Do I Need To Hire a Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer is an investment in your future. When you face DUI charges, a DUI lawyer near me crafts an appropriate defense and advocates for you in court. There are many potential arguments against a DUI charge, including the questionable accuracy of Breathalyzer tests and the unreliability of field sobriety tests. A lawyer is well-versed in these defenses and will assess your case to determine whether the charges can be countered. You might be surprised to learn that much of the evidence presented in DUI cases is undependable.
Without a lawyer, you may face a longer sentence and more severe punishment. Civilians simply aren’t equipped to represent themselves and argue in a court of law. Trained legal professionals, on the other hand, are dedicated to this task. Hiring a DUI lawyer in Las Vegas is the best way to combat criminal charges, avoid jail time, and prevent a conviction from derailing your life. You deserve to move past a mistake, and a lawyer can help you do that.
Find a DUI Lawyer Near Me
A DUI lawyer is one of the best investments you can make when you’re facing criminal DUI charges. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you can fight to retain your driving privileges and avoid jail time with help from an attorney. C. Benjamin Scroggins Law is the premier Las Vegas DUI lawyer, helping people like you overcome a DUI charge and move on with their lives. For more information on how we can help, and to arrange a consultation, you may call us at (702) 328-5550 or reach out to us online.