DUI Attorney in Dover, DE, Helping Reduce Your DUI Penalties

More than 10,000 people die yearly in the United States in car crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs puts you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in danger.

Delaware DUI laws prohibit driving under the influence of any alcohol or drug, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or more, or when a person’s blood contains illicit or recreational drugs that can hinder attention on the road.

Whether it’s your first drunk driving charge or your third, it’s essential to understand all possible consequences of your conviction and how to make the most educated decisions, from arrest to trial. The help of an experienced DUI lawyer in Dover, DE, can guide you in the right direction.

Have you been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in the greater Dover, Delaware area and are unsure what steps to take next? Our criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of Delaware DUI cases, and our main offices are centrally located on South State Street in Dover. Call today to discuss the details of your case: (302) 678-8700.

With Drunk Driving Charges, What Are the Consequences?

There is no mandatory prison time for first-time DUI offenses. But you could face up to 12 months in jail.

With DUI convictions, there are no minor charges, even if it’s your first experience with the legal system and you have no prior criminal background. It’s up to the judge to decide what sentence is appropriate based on your BAC, whether an accident occurred or other people suffered injuries.

Only an experienced criminal defense attorney can prepare you for the unexpected in a DUI conviction, including the following possible penalties:

• First-time DUI offense and 12 months in jail, a $1,500 fine, and 24 months license suspension
• Second DUI offense and 18 months in prison, a $2,500 fine, and 30 months license suspension
• Third DUI offense and two years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and 36 months license suspension
• Fourth DUI offense and five years in prison, a $7,000 fine, and 60 months license suspension

Talk to our criminal defense lawyers as quickly as possible after an arrest to prevent a DUI offense’s negative impact, especially if you are a repeat offender. Book a consultation to discuss your case: (302) 678-8700.

How Can a Police Officer Tell Drunk Driving is Involved?

Police officers must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over for drunk driving. Law enforcement has the right to do their job, which is to protect other drivers on the road if they believe drugs or alcohol are involved.

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, these are vital signs of drunk driving that law enforcement looks for:

• Weaving and swerving
• Wide turns
• Driving too close to the center lane
• Nearly hitting apparent objects or other vehicles
• Drifting
• Following too closely
• Random breaking
• Delayed response to traffic signals, such as going through a stop sign or red light
• Speeding up or slowing down, inconsistently

If you have slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or you’re unstable on your feet, the police will likely conduct a field sobriety test to see where your BAC level is at, followed by an arrest if results prove their suspicion.

While you must go through the motions, it’s best to say as little as possible so the information is not used against you later. You have the right to politely decline interrogation or questions and let the police know your attorney will represent you.

What Happens After I’m Charged with a DUI?

Suppose you have been convicted of drunk driving in Delaware. In that case, you could face a loss of driving privileges, a criminal record, incarceration, and challenges in securing or keeping a job, among others. Hiring a criminal defense attorney can protect you from the maximum sentence or possibly help reduce your charges altogether.

Specifically speaking, with a first or second offense DUI in Dover, DE, you may find you are scheduled for a court date in the Justice of the Peace Court 7. JP Court 7 is located at 480 Bank Lane, Dover, DE, 19904. Typically, folks may wish to remove these cases to the Court of Common Pleas in and for Kent County, located in the Kent County Courthouse in Dover. Removal to the Court of Common Pleas is a matter to be discussed with a qualified defense attorney, so please obtain your consultation as early as possible in your case.

Felony DUI cases, such as third offense DUI, fourth offense DUI, and beyond, are typically brought to the Superior Court of Delaware in and for Kent County, located in the Kent County Courthouse, at 414 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901.

In addition, there is a second administrative case in a DUI case involving a Delaware resident holding a Delaware driver’s license. This administrative case will determine whether your license or privilege to drive will be suspended. Requesting a hearing at the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles may be necessary. The Drivers Services Section is located in Dover at 303 Transportation Circle, P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE, 19903.

Delaware DUI Defender and our criminal defense attorneys team can walk you through the steps of a DUI conviction and provide you with legal counsel every step of the way. Our team is ready to discuss your case. Get counsel today: (302) 678-8700.

Can a Defense Lawyer Help with My DUI Case?

Attorney James M. Stiller, Jr. leads the Delaware DUI Defender team. Attorney Stiller is a former United States Air Force Captain. With this experience, he brings a level of organization, precision, and thoroughness to preparing a DUI case unparalleled among the defense bar in Delaware.

Attorney Stiller consultations in person or by phone in our Dover, DE, offices for people charged with drunk-driving or drinking-and-driving offenses in Kent County, Delaware. Attorney Stiller is a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

If you are new to the legal system or facing a repeat DUI conviction, don’t take chances with your freedom and plead guilty before consulting an experienced DUI lawyer. Making rash decisions in the face of a DUI charge like this could influence your future significantly.

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in the greater Dover, DE region, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a consultation with one of our top-flight DUI defense lawyers. From our Dover offices, we handle DUI cases in the following towns and cities in Kent County, Delaware, including Dover, Smyrna, Kenton, Leipsic, Cheswold, Hartly, Marydel, Milford, Bowers, South Bowers, Camden, Woodside, Viola, Felton, Harrington, and Farmington.

Call our criminal defense lawyers to get the results you’re after when you have a challenging DUI case: (302) 678-8700.