Were You Issued a Ticket for Drinking as a Passenger in a Vehicle? Why You Need a Lawyer
Why You Need a Defense Lawyer for Drinking in a Car as a Passenger
Drinking alcohol while in a moving vehicle can lead to serious charges that could cost you a lot of money and time. Even if you were just a passenger, being caught with alcohol in the car can have a negative impact on your driving record and increase your insurance rates. Fortunately, hiring a defense lawyer may help you fight the ticket and get the charges reduced or dropped.
Penalties and Charges
If you’re caught drinking in a car as a passenger, you and the driver may receive a ticket that can cost around $250. However, this ticket could cause your insurance rates to go up and have other negative consequences on your driving record. If you have a history of alcohol-related charges or you’re a repeat offender, the judge may require you to attend alcohol education classes or perform community service. In addition, you may end up losing your license for a longer period or indefinitely, especially if you have a suspended license.
Defense Options
To charge you with drinking in a moving vehicle, the police officers must have substantial evidence to prove that you were drinking in the car. However, several defenses could help get the charges dropped or reduced. For instance:
– You did not take a breathalyzer or blood test.
– There is no proof that the drink was yours.
– There were several people in the vehicle.
– The officer did not take the drink with alcohol in it.
In cases where there’s no video evidence or proof that your blood alcohol level was raised by drinking in a car rather than before getting in, the charges may not stick. Additionally, if the breathalyzer used was not calibrated, your lawyer could use this as a reason to throw out that particular piece of evidence. Don’t let the charges stick just because you think that you can’t fight the officer’s word.
Plea for Obvious Guilt
When the police have enough evidence to prove that you were drinking in a car, your lawyer may help you work out a plea deal. The deal would involve admitting to the guilt in exchange for a reduced charge or ticket. This way, you wouldn’t have an alcohol-related charge on your driving record.
Consultation
When you receive the ticket, the first thing you need to do is contact a criminal attorney who can help you fight the charges or get them reduced. During the consultation, you’ll get to understand your chances of fighting the charges and making the problem go away. Your lawyer will help you know what the case scenario could be and fight to ensure you get the most favorable outcome. Don’t go through the legal proceedings alone, get a defense lawyer that you can trust today.
Table of Defense Options
Here are the defense options that could help get you out of the charges or ticket for drinking alcohol as a passenger in a moving vehicle.
Defense Options |
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You did not take a breathalyzer or blood test. |
There is no proof that the drink was yours. |
There were several people in the vehicle. |
The officer did not take the drink with alcohol in it. |
Why You Need a Defense Lawyer for Drinking in a Car as a Passenger
There are many challenges that can arise if you are caught drinking in a car as a passenger. Unfortunately, even if you were not driving, this action can have a lasting impact on your driving record and future. In order to protect yourself, hiring a defense lawyer is vital.
Penalties and Charges
If you are caught drinking as a passenger in a moving vehicle, you may be issued a ticket for around $250. On top of this, there may be more serious consequences for those with a history of substance abuse or driving under the influence. License suspension, lengthier suspensions, education requirements, and even community service can be particularly costly. At the end of the day, the ticket you receive and the charges you face may have a profound impact on your career, reputation, and quality of life.
Consultation
The good news is that a criminal attorney can help deliver the results you need. A consultation will help to identify the most likely options and outcomes available to you as a passenger caught drinking in a car. This is the time to get answers to all of your questions, and ensure you can move on with your life as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Plea for Obvious Guilt
If there is clear evidence of your guilt or wrongdoing, your lawyer may be able to help negotiate your plea to minimize the impact of these charges. Even then, however, you need a talented attorney and experienced legal team that can work towards the possible outcome for your case.
Don’t let the legal system defeat you. With a professional defense lawyer, you are far more likely to protect your reputation, your livelihood, and your future. Contact a criminal defense lawyer today and get the help you need, when you need it most.
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS