Hendersonville DWI/DUI Lawyer

Have you ever seen a police officer on television ask a driver to “walk in a straight line” or “touch their finger to their nose?” Those are two common examples of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) that officers will ask drivers if they suspect the individual is driving while under the influence of alcohol. Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) help law enforcement officers determine an individual’s intoxication level without measuring their blood alcohol content. 

FSTs save time and resources, so most police officers will ask a person they suspect to be under the influence to perform these acts before administering a breathalyzer test. However, field sobriety tests are not always accurate when determining the level of alcohol within the blood. Therefore an officer will need more information to convict someone of driving while under the influence. While you may feel frustrated and pressured performing these tasks, it’s essential that you follow the officer’s directions and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

For an officer to charge an individual with DWI or DUI, they’ll need proof that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher. Unfortunately, many factors impact an individual’s blood alcohol concentration level. The following are a few elements that significantly impact a person’s alcohol concentration within their blood:

• Anxiety and stress
• Fatigue
• Weight
• Medical conditions
• Type of alcohol
• Food consumption
• Hydration

There are a few ways to help prevent and limit the effects of alcohol in the system. Making sure you have enough water and food before drinking are great ways to stop the effects of alcohol and reduce your chances of driving under the influence. When you feel too intoxicated to drive, having a designated driver or contacting rideshare options are also options.

When convicted of a DWI/DUI in Hendersonville, NC, they can face severe penalties and social consequences. The level of punishment depends on several factors, including the number of prior convictions, level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and whether they caused an accident while driving under the influence. Consider the following types of punishments you can encounter if charged with a DWI/DUI:

• Fines
• Suspension of driver’s license
• Community service
• Jail or prison time

Having a DWI/DUI on your record can change your life and limit your ability to enjoy your favorite activities. You have the right to seek legal counsel and representation to help diminish the severe consequences you face and protect yourself. As soon as possible, contact your lawyer to discuss your best options.

An individual charged with a DWI/DUI can face serious restrictions on their freedoms and future goals. The once endless possibilities will feel out of reach with a criminal charge. Still, a dependable lawyer can offer guidance during your case and will do everything in their power to give you the best possible outcome. 

Consider the following ways a DUI attorney can assist with your case:

• Researching and collecting evidence
• Answering case-related questions
• Gathering and preparing witnesses
• Searching for potential legal issues
• Formulating a well-written plea
• Offering honest and reliable advice

The sooner you contact your lawyer, the more time they have to provide you with their knowledge and resources. Some evidence and information can significantly alter the outcome of a case. With the help of your attorney, you can have all the information you need for a successful case.