Criminal Defense of First or Second DUI Charges
It is against the law to drink and drive, and the penalties of DWI in Delaware are severe if you are found guilty. On conviction of First Offense DUI charges, fines may run as high as $1,500, with up to 6 months of jail time. Your license will be suspended for 12 months.
If a person is convicted of a 1st offense with a BAC of > 0.15, they will be required to have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.
A 2nd DUI DWI Conviction carries even stiffer penalties. Fines run as high as $2,500 with a 60-day minimum jail sentence that you must serve. Your license will be suspended for 24 months.
If a person is convicted of a 2nd offense, they will be required to have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle after 12 months of the suspension is completed.
The ignition interlock device is available only to Delaware license drivers. Out-of-state licensed drivers are not eligible for this device.
With so much at stake, you owe it to yourself to retain a skilled DUI defense attorney — someone with years of experience as both a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor.
I am Francis E. Farren, attorney at the Law Offices of Francis E. Farren in Newark, Delaware. I have more than 24 years of experience practicing DUI defense, and I work hard on your behalf.
Contact me online or call 866-603-4647 or 302-294-0331 for a free initial consultation. If you have been charged with DUI, a DMV administrative hearing must be requested as soon as possible to protect your driving privileges.
Defending You against First Offense DUI Charges
If this is your First Offense DUI, we can look at the First Offender Program. After meeting a number of conditions, which I am glad to explain, charges will be dismissed. There will be no First Offense DUI blemish on your driving record, and your insurance rates may not go up.
You must complete alcohol education and treatment and will lose driving privileges for 1 year unless you agree to participate in the ignition interlock device program for 12 months.
In crafting your DUI defense, I examine a number of factors, including the accuracy of the Field Sobriety Testing, the credentials of the testing police officer, and if you were stopped for a valid reason. I will work with you to help you gain provisional driving privileges and keep you out of jail.
Persons charged with a first offense with a BAC of < 0.15 may be eligible for the First Offenders Program (DUI-FOP) or the First Offender Ignition Interlock Device Program (DUI-IID). If you elect the First Offenders Program, and are licensed to drive in Delaware, you may be eligible for a work permit after 90 days and full reinstatement of your license after 6 month. If you elect the First Offenders Ignition Interlock Device Program, you may get the Ignition Interlock Device installed in your vehicle after 30 days. You may apply to get this device removed, and get your regular license, after 5 months. If you are accepted into the First Offenders Program, it is not a conviction; therefore, there is no fine and no potential prison sentence. You should expect to pay court costs in the amount of $300.00, however. 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, however, 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.
It's Important We Meet Now
Contact me for a free consultation to discuss the First Offense DUI charges. Call 866-603-4647 or 302-294-0331.
