Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is a serious offense that can easily lead to an accident causing life-threatening injuries or fatalities. What many people do not realize is that DUI is a criminal offense, albeit a different type of criminal offense than a theft, robbery, assault or other violent crime, it still is a criminal offense. Any individual convicted of DUI will be facing a minimum sentence of 48 hours in jail, up to $1,500 in fines, a 1-year driver's license suspension and community service. To improve your chances of getting your case dismissed or achieving a not guilty verdict, we advise you retain legal counsel from a skilled Knoxville criminal defense attorney with an in-depth knowledge of the DUI arrest process. Our lead attorney has more than 13 years experience defending clients' rights and has been named the Top DUI Attorney in Knoxville by Cityview Magazine. The firm is dedicated to helping you fight your DUI and to pursue a positive outcome for your case.
To help you understand a little bit more about how to protect your rights if you have been arrested or charged with DUI, we wanted to bring up 5 myths about DUIs.
- MYTH: Failing a field sobriety test or registering 0.08% or higher on a breathalyzer test is all the evidence the prosecution will need to guarantee a conviction. That is simply not true. There are many different factors that can contribute to a false reading on a breath or blood test. An improperly calibrated breathalyzer, an incorrectly administered test, a contaminated sample and other external elements can all contribute to false readings. Field sobriety tests are highly subjective and open to question. An aggressive attorney can find the discrepancies in testing and in crafting your defense.
- MYTH: First-time DUI charges will always be reduced to reckless driving charges. No two cases are exactly alike, and it you cannot assume that this will be the outcome in your case. Every case involves different circumstances, evidence, and situations. Our firm is committed to seeing that our clients' rights are fiercely defended and we will do everything possible to gain an advantage.
- MYTH: It is best to accept responsibility for your actions by admitting guilt. False. Even if you feel you may be at fault, it is not beneficial to admit guilt without first consulting with your attorney. Our firm will be able to review your case, advise you of the legal options available and help you determine how to best proceed. Giving up your legal rights, particularly when you have the chance to defend those rights, is not advised.
- MYTH: If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you need to cooperate fully with the officer and answer all of his or her questions. While we do recommend you are considerate and respectful to any officer who pulls you over, you are not legally obligated to answer certain types of questions. You do need to give the officer your name as well as show your license, registration and proof of insurance. You do not need to, and should not ever, answer questions about where you have been, whether or not you have consumed any alcohol, if you are taking any pills or drugs that may affect your driving ability and more. These types of questions are designed to help the officer establish probable cause to place you under arrest. You are also not legally obligated to perform field sobriety tests, although you are required to submit to chemical testing.
- MYTH: Any attorney can represent a DUI case. Our firm understands how frightening it can be to be arrested and charged with DUI. Whether this is your first arrest or you have been arrested more than once, a DUI conviction will have a significant impact on your life. Do not let an error in judgment tarnish your reputation and your criminal record if you can avoid it. You need a criminal defense firm that is dedicated to helping you avoid a conviction.
If you have been arrested or charged with DUI in Knoxville, you need to obtain legal representation at once. Any delay could put your driving privileges and your freedom in jeopardy. Contact Robert R. Kurtz, Attorney at Law immediately so that your case can be reviewed and a powerful defense strategy can be prepared on your behalf.