What does a dui & traffic lawyer do?
DUI lawyers defend people charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (also called DWI or OWI in some states), and many also handle traffic tickets and license suspensions. A DUI can mean fines, license loss, higher insurance and even jail, so specialist advice early on matters.
Two cases, not one
A DUI arrest usually starts two separate processes. One is the criminal case in court. The other is an administrative license suspension through the state motor vehicle agency. The deadline to request a hearing to challenge the suspension can be very short, sometimes just days after the arrest, so contact a lawyer quickly.
Legal limits
In almost every state the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. Utah's limit is lower, at 0.05%. Commercial drivers face a lower limit, and drivers under 21 are subject to "zero tolerance" laws. Refusing a breath or blood test can trigger automatic penalties under implied consent laws.
Questions to ask before you hire a dui & traffic lawyer
- What is the deadline to challenge my license suspension, and will you request the hearing?
- Will you look at the breath test records and any video from the stop?
- Could I qualify for a first-offender or diversion program?
- Does your flat fee include the license hearing as well as the court case?