Handling Estate Battles With GraceHandling Estate Battles With Grace

About Me

Handling Estate Battles With Grace

Hi, I am Ina Aldawen. Upon losing my mother at a young age, I was thrust into the world of estate lawyers in an instant. Although the process could have been a nightmare, I was lucky to end up with an accomplished and kind lawyer. The lawyer taught me all I needed to know about handling my mother's estate properly. I escaped the situation unscathed and with my relationships intact. Although I hope to never have to deal with that situation again, I at least know enough to get through it without too much stress. I built this site to share this knowledge with you in an attempt to help the world deal with estate situations better. Losing a loved one should never include a legal battle over belongings and funds. Unfortunately, it often does, so it's best to stay prepared. Come by often to learn more.

A DUI Arrest When A Child Is In The Car: What You Need To Know

18 January 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

Being charged with a DUI is a serious offense that could potentially come with harsh and long lasting consequences. When you are charged with a DUI and there are children present in the car at the time of the offense, the consequences can be especially harsh. If you've been charged with a DUI and a child was in the car, it's important that you be informed.

Aggravated DUI

When any person considered a minor is found in the car at the time of your arrest, you could be looking at an aggravated DUI. An aggravated DUI is a felony-level charge that comes along with harsher and more permanent consequences. An individual charged and convicted at this level doesn't just face fines, but they could also be subjected to a lengthy prison sentence.

If jail time is avoided, probation is still likely. You could even be required to pay for the installation of an ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle if you don't lose your license altogether. If the child in your vehicle was your own, you even stand the chance of losing custody as a result of child endangerment laws.  

Ensure Validity

Make sure the presence of alcohol within your system was actually verified. Although this isn't always common practice, some people are actually arrested on suspicion of a DUI before it is even verified that their alcohol level is above the limit. For example, say you were driving close behind the vehicle in front of you. An officer pulls you over, asks you if you've been drinking, you say yes.

The officer notices the child in the car and before you know it, you've been arrested and face an aggravated DUI charge. In this case, if the arresting officer fails to perform an alcohol level test at your time of arrest or when you arrive at the station – the charge is not valid. Just because you had a drink doesn't mean you are operating above the legal limit. Demand that your results be made available to you to ensure your charge is valid.

Sentencing Alternatives

In the event your alcohol level was above the legal limit, this still doesn't mean that jail is in your future. This is especially the case if this is your first time being charged with this type of crime. Even with an aggravated DUI conviction, you may be able to seek an alternative sentence like an alcohol rehabilitation treatment program. This type of sentence allows you to avoid jail while also equipping you with the tools you need to avoid ever being placed in this type of situation again.

If you have found yourself in this type of situation, make sure you have an attorney on your side to help you work through this difficult obstacle.

To talk to a DUI attorney, contact a law firm such as Bommarito Law Firm.