DUI defense lawyers in Spartanburg meet with clients all the time who have been charged with their first DUI. They seem shocked and surprised that they are now facing criminal charges. One of the first things they tell their lawyer is that they only had a few drinks. They really didn’t think they were drunk.
One of the reasons being charged with DUI in Spartanburg, SC is so scary is that it is life-changing. If you’re convicted of driving while intoxicated, it will impact the rest of your life. You may lose your job or professional license. If you’re a commercial driver, you will probably lose your CDL either for a short while or indefinitely. It can be a harrowing experience. And, unlike some other traffic charges, like speeding or driving while suspended, there really isn’t a chance of getting the charges reduced or dismissed. Unless your lawyer can decimate the prosecutor’s case, you’re probably going to be convicted of DUI. This is why it’s critical that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as you’ve been charged. Sadly, once you’ve been charged with DUI in Spartanburg, SC, there’s nothing you can do to make it go away. You don’t get a do-over. You’ll have to deal with the charges as best you can and that requires hiring a skilled DUI defense lawyer in South Carolina.
But there are things you can do to avoid getting arrested for DUI in the first place. Here, we’ll talk about some of the options you should consider before you put your license and livelihood at risk.
Order an Uber or Ride Share
If you don’t know ahead of time that you’ll be out drinking, you do have options. One of the best inventions of the last decade is the rideshare. You can always order an Uber or Lyft to come pick you up from wherever you’re at. Whether you’re at a bar or company party, it only take a few minutes to schedule an Uber. And, it’s a lot cheaper to pay for a ride home than it is to pay the fines associated with a DUI. If you do know you’re going out, then arrange for a designated driver before you leave the house. If this isn’t possible, then make sure you have your cell phone nearby so you can order an Uber. The $15 or $20 it’ll cost you for a ride home will be the best money you ever spent. Not only will this keep you from getting arrested for DUI, but it will also make sure you and the other people on the road are safe.
Pull Over and Call Someone to Come Pick You Up
If, for some reason, you don’t want to call an Uber, then leave your car somewhere and call for a ride. If you are on your way home and realize that you’re impaired, pull over right away. You can park your car somewhere and have someone come pick you up. Even if you end up getting a parking ticket or fine for leaving your car somewhere other than your own property, it’s much better than getting arrested. Once you’re on the road, things are only going to get worse. You’re not going to sober up in a few minutes or even an hour. It can take anywhere from 4-10 hours for the alcohol to wear off. Unless you can stay somewhere overnight, you’ll need to arrange for a ride. The consequences you’ll face if you decide to drink and drive are simply too high. The risk just isn’t worth it.
Contact an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Spartanburg, South Carolina
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Spartanburg, SC, you’re facing some pretty stiff penalties. There are things you can do to avoid being in this position in the first place. Unfortunately, once you’ve been arrested and charged, there isn’t much you can do. All you can do at this point is hire an experienced Spartanburg DUI law firm and let them do what they can to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Call our office today and schedule your initial consultation. Depending on the evidence against you, the prosecutor may be willing to offer a plea deal that’s in your best interests. They will be more willing to work with a lawyer than they will a defendant. So it’s a good idea that you hire your DUI defense attorney sooner rather than later.