A Delaware Lawyer Representing First-Time DUI Offenders
For many people arrested and charged with a DUI, this is their first offense. They never dreamed of being pulled over for driving drunk, but one mistake changed all that. For people who meet certain eligibility requirements, the court will provide a unique opportunity to lessen the effects of a conviction.
At the Law Offices of Francis E. Farren, I represent first-time offenders charged with DUI in Delaware. My Delaware practice focuses its attention on trying to obtain the best possible results for those accused of DUI Defense Areas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the first offender program, you must meet the following criteria:
- This is your first DUI conviction.
- You have not received three or more moving violations within two years of your DUI arrest.
- If involved in a drunk driving accident, no one suffered a serious physical injury but you.
- Your blood alcohol content was below .15.
- Your license was valid and not under suspension.
- You were not driving with a child in your car.
Benefits of the First Offender Program
If you meet the following criteria, are accepted in the first offender program, and successfully complete the program, you will not receive a DUI conviction on your record, and you will not face jail time or a fine. Sometimes the court will place you on lower-level administration probation. These benefits will be conditioned on you taking a DUI class and remaining law-abiding. You will also lose your license for one year, but can apply for a work permit 90 days after your suspension started if you did not refuse to submit to Intoxilyzer/blood testing at the time of your arrest. If you complete your DUI class, you can apply for full reinstatement after six months. This is available only if you are a Delaware licensed driver.
First Offender Ignition Interlock Device Program
With the same eligibility requirements of the first offender program, the first offender ignition interlock device program will allow you to obtain this device on your car after one month of license suspension, or two months of license suspension if you refused to submit to Intoxilyzer/Blood testing. If you complete your DUI class, you can obtain a fully reinstated driver's license after six months.
Out-of-State Licensed Drivers
If you are an out-of-state licensed driver and you elect the First Offenders Program, there is a very good chance that your licensing State will never find out about your DUI plea if: (a) you complete your DUI classes in Delaware; and (b) you are not a CDL licensed driver. While there may be no effect on your out-of-state license, your driving privileges inside the State of Delaware will still be revoked for one year; consequently, if your license is up for renewal during that period, your licensing State will not likely permit you to renew your license until your Delaware suspension is cleared up.
To consult with an attorney and find out if you qualify for any of the preceding first offender programs, contact me at the Law Offices of Francis E. Farren, by e-mailing or calling 866-603-4647 or 302-294-0331 today.
Those persons placed into the First Offenders Program will now be required to pay court costs in the amount of $250.00.
