QUESTION
Is it possible to get a DUI charge dropped or reduced?
Asked on Dec 21st, 2012 on DUI/DWI - Michigan
More details to this question:
I'm 20 years old, less than 3 months shy of my 21st birthday. Last night I was pulled over and was issued sobriety tests and took a breathalyzer. The officer arrested me for DUI, the second breathalyzer I took upon arriving at the police station was .14. I received three tickets. One for speeding, one for an unsafe lane change and one for the DUI. The officers said that there was a good chance the DUI charge would be reduced to just some hefty traffic violation type fines, but my mom said she's never heard of that before. I'm really worried that this is going to severely affect my future. Is it unheard of for a first offense DUI to be dropped or reduced?
10 ANSWERS
Drug Charges Attorney serving Houston, TX
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Cynthia Henley
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If you got charged with?DUI - driving under the influence as a driver under 21 - you are LUCKY if you blew a .14 because you should have been charged with DWI - driving while intoxicated. .08 or higher is presumed DWI in Texas. I think you are charged in county court with DWI (and in traffic court with the traffic offenses.) You MUST have a lawyer so hire a good one immediately. You will lose your driver's license because of your breath test but your lawyer may want to use the driver's license hearing to do discovery on the DWI. (The request for the hearing must be made within 15 days of your arrest.) Depending on the county, there is a possibility of a reduction of charges but frankly, .14 is a fairly high breath test.
Answered on Dec 28th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
Well first you should get a lawyer to help you. Second in some places they have special programs for first time offenders arrested for drinking and driving. In some of these programs the person does what the court orders and then ends up with a non alcohol related conviction. Maybe there is such a program where this happened.
Answered on Dec 28th, 2012 at 3:55 PM
You need an attorney ASAP! As a minor you could lose your driving privileges for one year. Get an attorney!
Answered on Dec 28th, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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It is not unheard of, but with a .14 BAC level, it will be extremely unlikely. Your DUI may also contain an enhancement since you were underage at the time of your arrest. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your arrest.
Answered on Dec 28th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Yes, provided you have a DUI specialist who knows what he is doing representing you. You better hire one soon, because you have only 10 days to save your license from a very long "underage" suspension.
Answered on Dec 28th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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It is very rare to have the drinking offense decreased to a non-drinking charge, get an attorney now, this is very serious.
Answered on Dec 27th, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Gary Moore
If you case is in New Jersey, your mother is correct. Dui charges are rarely reduced, especially with the kind of reading that you had.
Answered on Dec 27th, 2012 at 2:55 PM
Family Law Attorney serving Bluffton, SC
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Peacock Law Group of the Lowcountry, LLC
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In SC, it is possible to negotiate a plea agreement with law enforcement under certain similar circumstances. No action and/or inaction should be taken based on this information and it should not be applied to any situation(s) without first consulting in person with a local attorney.
Answered on Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Automobile Attorney serving East Lansing, MI
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Nichols Law Firm PLLC
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Yes. Contact a qualified DUI attorney immediately.
Answered on Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:36 AM
Family Law Attorney serving West Bloomfield, MI
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Law Offices of Eugene Lumberg and Eric S. Lumberg
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It is possible for a reduced charge. A lawyer can help with this process and resolution.
Answered on Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:34 AM