Being charged with a DUI can be scary, even if you feel that you didn’t do anything wrong and believe that you were not breaking the law. However, there is an important distinction between a DUI charge and a DUI conviction. What are the differences between the two, and how can either shape your future?
What Is a DUI Charge?
If you are pulled over by an officer because they believe that you are intoxicated, or you are pulled over for another reason and the officer finds evidence that you are intoxicated, you will be asked to submit to field sobriety tests. Depending on the results of those tests, the police officer may decide to arrest you. This is considered a DUI charge. Once you have been arrested, you will receive a court date when you will be asked to appear before a judge. It is important to know that, at this point, you have not yet been convicted of a DUI and you still have the ability to fight the charges with help from an attorney.
What Is a DUI Conviction?
The United States requires those charged with a crime to be proven guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which means that everyone charged with a crime is not convicted of it in the end. If you are convicted, you can expect to face serious consequences in the state of Maryland. For example, a charge does not come with jail time or a fine, but a conviction can.
Can You Face Consequences Due to a DUI Charge?
Unfortunately, even if you are the recipient of a DUI charge and have not been convicted yet, you can still experience immediate consequences. Depending on your career, you may be subject to an investigation of your professional license or be placed on suspension. One example of this is the Federal Aviation Administration, which must be notified within 60 days if a pilot has received a DUI charge that led to the suspension of their driving privileges. The MVA will also act to suspend your license and driving privileges if you do not fight the charges. Working with an attorney immediately is one way to mitigate the damage to your lifestyle and reputation, and we can assist you in developing a strategy for the courtroom.
Learn More About Defending a DUI Charge from The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you or a loved one are concerned about going to court for your criminal traffic offense, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.