Other Charges that Accused DUI Drivers Often Face
After you get charged with driving under the influence, you may learn that you face additional unexpected charges. Often, the first time you learn of the charges against you is when you talk to the judge. The entire process can be overwhelming and scary, especially if this is your first DUI charge.
Learn a little about the additional charges so you can prepare for what is ahead. Many drivers who are pulled over and arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also charged with:
- Aggravated drunk driving
- Driving with a revoked or suspended driver’s license
- Driving without insurance
- Transporting open alcoholic beverages
- Violating traffic laws
- Injuring other drivers or pedestrians
- Child endangerment
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Some of these charges carry relatively minor sentences, while others are very serious. For example, violating traffic laws may get you only a citation and small fine. But aggravated drunk driving or injuring others can carry hefty prison sentences, fines, probation requirements, and restrictions on driving.
Often, the prosecutor charges you with a variety of legal violations in an attempt to make at least one of them stick. If the case for drunk driving is weaker because you blew under the legal limit on the breathalyzer, the prosecutor may decide to tack on additional charges.
Under the law, the prosecutor is supposed to have, at minimum, a reasonable belief that there is probable cause to show that you committed the offense. The prosecutor is not supposed to charge you with crimes that there is no evidence you committed. He or she cannot rely on the police’s hunch or suspicion that you violated the law.
Especially if you are facing a DUI charge along with more serious charges, you should speak to a lawyer about your case. After you get a lawyer, he or she can develop defenses to the charges against you and maybe talk to the prosecutor about a plea bargain to reduce your charges or sentence. You should seek legal help as early in your case as possible to protect your rights.
Need an attorney for DUI charges in Oklahoma? Seek out the attorney who is in court nearly every day and teaches other attorneys and law enforcement about sobriety testing techniques. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.