Should I Get a Lawyer for My First DUI?
When you’re pulled over and arrested for a DUI in Tampa, you may be thinking, “Never again.” You’re not planning on getting in such trouble again, so you might be wondering whether it’s worth it to fight your charges. It was just once, after all—how bad could it really be?
If you don’t fight your DUI charge, the truth is it could be really bad. First, you’ll have to make a difficult decision with your administrative suspension, and you’ll want an expert to help with that side of your case. (To learn your options for keeping your driver’s license after a DUI charge, click here.) Then, of course, you’ll have to handle the criminal side of your case.
If you’re questioning whether you should get a DUI lawyer for your first offense, it’s important to consider the penalties and how your future could be affected. Calling a Hersem Law DUI lawyer could save you from loads of stress and some hefty criminal punishments.
Even a First DUI Can Be Serious
Whether it’s your first DUI charge or your fourth, a DUI is a serious charge. Drunk driving is a well-known cause of auto-related injuries and deaths, of course. That’s why the prosecution will take your case seriously, even for a first-time arrest.
Penalties for a DUI
When you’re accused of a first-time DUI, it’s important to consider exactly how a conviction might affect your life before you go to court. Choosing to accept a conviction could lead to major penalties that could affect you for years to come.
For example, the financial penalties are harsh even for a first-time DUI. If you’re convicted, your fines will be at least $500 (topping out at $1,000), plus you’ll have court costs and the costs of the additional conditions of your sentence on top of that. That adds up to thousands of dollars!
In Florida, standard first-time DUI offenses don’t carry a mandatory jail sentence, but you could still be sentenced to up to six months in jail. And that could turn into nine months if you’re facing enhanced charges.
Also keep in mind the future effects of having a criminal record. Your employment, housing, and other opportunities could be affected if you don’t fight your charge with the help of an experienced Tampa attorney from Hersem Law.
How Your DUI Lawyer Can Help
Of course, preventing a DUI conviction isn’t easy. You may not have the resources or experience you need to build a strong defense on your own. Luckily, your Hersem Law DUI lawyer can help with that.
If you’ve been accused of drinking and driving, your DUI attorney from our firm can defend you in court and fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer About Your First DUI
Even a first DUI conviction can do a lot of damage. You can’t simply rely on the judge going easy on you. Instead of expecting lower penalties and hoping for the best, contact a lawyer from Hersem Law.
After a DUI charge, contact legal help as soon as possible. You can get started with our firm by taking advantage of our free strategy sessions, during which we can discuss your options to fight a DUI conviction. When you’re ready to talk to a DUI lawyer at Hersem Law, give us a call at 813-251-7291 or fill out the following online contact form.
