You may be aware of how dangerous it is for you to drink and drive in Virginia. But you may not realize how few drinks it takes for you to become intoxicated and end up with a BAC over the legal limit. And if you happen to have a car accident that ends in someone’s death, you could end up with a felony DUI charge.
DUI charges are not something you can ignore and assume will go away. Even if you get them reduced or end up with the lightest sentence possible, the arrest and conviction can and will follow you for the rest of your life. Take some time to review the following actions you can take to rebound from this situation.
Invest in a good defense
There is nothing wrong with using a public defender for your situation. But to ensure the best outcome for your circumstances and shorten the amount of time you must deal with it, it may be a good idea for you to seek out private counsel from a criminal DUI defense attorney. A public defender has many cases to deal with. She or he may not have the time nor the experience to give you the DUI defense you need. You deserve to be represented by someone who does not see your situation as a case number.
Watch your activities
It is simple for you to fall back into some of the behaviors and habits that have led to this situation. To prevent complications and additional charges, you should be careful about the things you say and do and the friends you keep. Until a verdict has been issued for your case, your actions can become admissible evidence. If you are not sure about what you can and cannot do, ask your attorney.
In the future, avoid drinking and driving at all costs. A DUI charge and conviction can make your life harder and more challenging. If you must drink alcohol, make sure you allow enough time to pass before you get behind the steering wheel.