Question

I got charged with a DUI and a child was in the car. What do I do?

Answer

You should contact a DUI lawyer immediately. You are most likely facing many more serious charges than only a DUI.

What You’re Up Against

If you’ve been charged with a DUI with a child in car, you’re probably experiencing a lot of stress. This is a serious situation and the fact that a child was in your vehicle with you when you were arrested will mean harsher penalties if you are convicted. Your charge or charges will also be more serious than what a typical person who is pulled over on suspicion of DUI would receive. In order to help you understand what a DUI with child in car may mean for your future, here are some important facts.

Basic DUI with Child in Car Facts

State laws vary. However, when there is a person sixteen years of age or under in a vehicle, fines for this type of conviction will be bigger. Jail time will be longer and the DUI may be classified as a felony, rather than a misdemeanor. The harsher penalties are referred to as DUI modifications or an aggravated DUI.

If your DUI charge is classified as a felony, a conviction will leave a black mark on your criminal record. It may make it impossible to get particular jobs and rent certain apartments or homes. These are just a couple of examples of how a DUI with child in car conviction may negatively impact your quality of life and future opportunities.

If you have a jury trial for this charge, you may find that the jury takes a less-than-favorable view of you, because there was a minor in your vehicle when you were pulled over. If your trial is with a judge, the judge may also be affected by the fact that there was a minor in your car. In general, plea bargains for these types of DUI charges are harder to get. Defense tactics for a DUI with a child in car cases must take all of these factors into consideration.

There is the possibility you’ll be charged with child endangerment on top of your DUI charge. You are strongly advised to retain expert legal counsel as soon as you are arrested. This is a time when you need a skilled and experienced DUI attorney by your side.

Choose Rhode Island’s Best

If you want the highest level of legal assistance for fair rates, call The Law Office of Daniel Griffin today. Attorney Griffin has years of experience in criminal cases and his specialty is DUI cases. As the premier RI DUI lawyer, he’s able to use his skill and experience in order to strengthen your case. Rhode Island DUI lawyer Dan Griffin utilizes all viable legal tactics.

Daniel Griffin’s law office is located in Cranston, Rhode Island. When you call today and book a FREE legal consultation, you’ll know that you are doing all that you can to avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction- and these consequences are very serious.