A HOW-TO GUIDE TO AGGRAVATED DUI LAW
INTRODUCTION Being charged with an aggravated DUI can have significant consequences for one’s life. For example, approximately 81% of individuals are eventually convicted, while 14% plead guilty to a lesser offense. Of these, approximately 5% results in charges being dropped or acquittal. Despite these troubling facts, there is hope. Various aggravated DUI lawyers are available all over the United States to help simplify the process. The following guide will help one decide on the next steps.
TABLE OF CONTENTS What
is an Aggravated DUI? Choosing the Right Aggravated DUI Attorney Cost of an Aggravated DUI Attorney
WHAT IS AN AGGRAVATED DUI? Aggravated DUI’s result from operating a vehicle with an extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC), having multiple prior DUI convictions, causing serious injury or property damage, as well as driving with BAC of 0.08 or more with a minor child in the vehicle. It also includes driving a school bus while impaired or driving intoxicated in a school zone. In addition, driving with a commercial license while under the influence can also result in an aggravated DUI case.
In many US states, aggravated DUI’s are considered felony offences, as opposed to less serious misdemeanor charges. In others, the charge may be slightly less serious.
Penalties for aggravated DUI’s can be much more severe than regular drunk driving offenses, including incarceration, substantial fines, community service, substantial probation terms, substance abuse assessment and/or treatment, loss of license, vehicle confiscation, and mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices. In many cases, there may be mandatory sentencing, with penalties ranging from 10 to 60 days of incarceration for certain DUI’s. More severe cases will result in more severe penalties.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGGRAVATED DUI ATTORNEY Choosing the perfect aggravated DUI attorney does not have to be a complicated process. A skilled aggravated DUI attorney will skillfully and vehemently defend one’s rights in court, ensure that one receives a fair and speedy trial, and uphold justice.
The first step to finding the right aggravated DUI attorney is to browse through online review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google reviews. Secondly, asking friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations can also be a great way to find the perfect lawyer. In addition, it is possible to ask other professionals, such as attorneys in different law areas.
Browsing through attorney websites, along with client testimonials can also be quite beneficial. Asking for client referrals is another option. Clients should ask themselves if they would prefer large firms with many attorneys, or a small firm with more individualized attention. Small firms have the added benefit of giving cases increased attention and ensuring that it will not be lost and overlooked. Small firms often charge less than large firms.
It is important to do research and try to select a lawyer with expertise in aggravated DUI law. It can be helpful to make a list on Microsoft Excel, with names, area of specialty, phone number and address, as well as a column for cost.
Next, it is imperative to ask the selected aggravated DUI attorney a series of questions. How many years have they been practicing law? What is their educational background and licensing? Do they have experience in aggravated DUI law? What is their track record? A phone call or a face-to-face meeting is recommended. This will allow one to see if the attorney is a good fit. Do they answer questions openly and honestly, without hesitation?
Finally, check individual State Bar website to see if the chosen attorney has been subject to disciplinary actions or has a history of malpractice. Ensure that they are licensed to practice law in one’s state as well.
COST OF AN AGGRAVATED DUI ATTORNEY The costs associated with an aggravated DUI attorney vary and depend on a variety of factors, including complexity of the case, geographical location, size of firm, and experience of the attorney. Attorneys in larger metropolitan areas will often cost more than those practicing in small towns and rural areas.
In many states, the average cost of an aggravated DUI is now approximately $7,100 USD, and ranges from $5,000 to $, 9000 USD. Average attorney’s fees cost $2,100 USD.
Cases with high BAC cost most, with an average of $7,900 USD, followed by accidental collision at $7,600 USD. Individuals with prior offenses should expect to pay approximately $7,000 USD, while refusing a breathalyzer test will result in a cost of approximately $6,800 USD. The aggravated DUI process ranges from four to twelve months, with an average of 7.3 months.
Accidental collisions will result in the longest cases at 10.5 months, followed by high BAC at approximately 7.2 months. Those with prior offences should expect to spend approximately 6.9 months on their case, while test refusal results in an8.7-month long process.
Obtaining an aggravated DUI can be a costly and complicated process. However, an experienced aggravated Dui attorney can help one reach a resolution quickly and easily. Do not hesitate to contact one today.
CONTACT DETAILS Kellis Law Firm Phone: (215) 543-6566 Address: Two Penn Center Plaza 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Email:Â steven@kellislaw.com Website: https://www.pennsylvania-dui-lawyer.com/contact-us/