A Tampa criminal defense attorney offers a few suggestions for those people who have been convicted of a DUI in order to make the process a little less painful.
First, start with the lawyer. You need to find one that can plea bargain your first drunk driving case down to a reckless driving incident, especially if no one was injured and no property was damaged. This may end up being the most expensive night of drinking you’ve ever had but it will be worth it not to have a DUI on your record. Limiting the financial damage by plea bargaining down to a reckless driving incident will also cost you less in court costs but may cost you more in attorney fees.
If you have a good attorney then they will know that there is a 30 day grace period before your license is suspended so you should take this time to apply for a restricted, work only license or you may request to have an ignition interlock system placed on your vehicle. An ignition interlock system is like a Breathalyzer test for your car in which you breathe into it before the ignition will start and it won’t start if there is any alcohol detection. Although, first-time offenders rarely receive ignition interlock system but it is worth asking and shows you are willing to go the extra mile. Additionally, they let you hang on to your license if they install one of the systems.
A Tampa DUI attorney suggests there is no basis for employer involvement if you do not have a drinking problem and your driving restrictions do not affect your working conditions – for example you could still perform your work duties because it does not require you to drive the vehicle. However, if you live in the state of Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts or Alaska, a letter is required from your employer before the courts will issue you a restricted license.
Probably the worst thing that could happen is jail time and most likely that would be 48 hours or less and a person has the right to ask if they could serve this jail time on the weekends for a work release because you need to support your family, because your blood alcohol content was less than .15 or because the jails are overcrowded.
