As in most states, driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an offense in Hawaii. Once you are asked to pull over by a police officer, they will ask you to take a breathalyzer test. If your blood alcohol concentration level is found to be .08% or higher, you would be charged with DUI. In such circumstances, it can be hard to think straight, and because the consequences could be severe, it makes sense to seek legal advice at the earliest. Hiring a DUI & OVUII lawyer in Honolulu should be your immediate concern. This post discusses key things about the first DUI offense in Hawaii.
Understanding the penalties
The first DUI charge in Hawaii is treated as a serious offense, and therefore, you shouldn’t expect any leniency. Further DUI convictions will only have harsher penalties. If you are convicted, you may have to spend up to five days in jail, which obviously is not desirable. The court can also impose fines up to, and your driving license could be revoked for a year. You may also have to commit to mandatory community service.
Taking the breathalyzer test
As per laws in Hawaii, a driver asked to take a breathalyzer test has the right to refuse the same. However, there are consequences to your decision. For the first offense, this could mean license suspension for one year, while for second and third offenses, your license could be suspended for two and four years, respectively.
Other consequences
If you are convicted of a DUI charge, you will have to install an ignition interlock device on your car. This remains true even for the first DUI conviction. Each time you drive a vehicle, you will have to blow into the ignition interlock device, and if your blood alcohol level exceeds the limit, the vehicle will not start. There is also a monthly service fee that you must pay.
Get an attorney
No matter whether you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or not, you have to consider talking to an attorney who will work on your defense. Chemical and breath tests are known to be inaccurate at times, and in other cases, the arresting officer may not have followed the necessary protocols during your arrest. DUI defense lawyer georgetown de so that you can work on your defense without losing time. You have to be ready for the criminal case.
