For many people, a DUI is their first arrest and criminal charge. A DUI can result in serious consequences, including jail time, fines, surcharges, community service, and a loss of driving privileges. In addition, people with DUI convictions on their records find their motor vehicle insurance premiums going sky high, if they can get insurance at all. Last, a DUI conviction becomes a permanent part of one's driving record for life, -there for potential employers to see each and every time you apply for a job.

If you've been arrested and charged with drunk driving or driving under the influence, you're facing criminal charges that have long lasting and serious effects on your life. Call an experienced DUI attorney or DUI lawyer right away.

Once you have hired a experienced DUI lawyer they will need to work quickly to prepare your case for your first preliminary hearing or trial; to obtain a copy of the police report and videotape, to review the evidence and develop legal and factual defenses. They should subpoena the police officer and cross-examine him or her as part of our effort to explore every avenue to find all the possible weaknesses in the state's case against you.

There may also need to be medical records, accident reports, cell phone records, or prescription medication records that need to be obtained. The sooner the facts are evaluated by a DUI lawyer or DUI attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

If I am pulled over and I am asked by an officer, "Have you been drinking?" What should I say?
One approach is to answer, "I would like to speak to my attorney." No matter what DUI attorney you hire, this is often the best answer.

If you say, "No" and the officer smells alcohol on your breath you have proven yourself to be a liar and your lie will be used against you.

If you say, "Yes" you have given the officer one more clue and have already started making damaging admissions. Don't worry if the officer threatens to put you in jail. The officer has often already made the decision to arrest you and take you to jail anyway..

How do I avoid being arrested for DUI?

Some people feel the wisest decision is not to give a breath or blood sample. The officer will most likely tell you that you will be arrested if you don't take the breathalyzer or blood test, and that your license will be suspended.

What they don't tell you is that if you blow or have a blood alcohol level of .08 (the legal limit) or greater, you will be arrested and your license will be suspended anyway.

Do I automatically lose my license when I get arrested for DUI?

No. If you have been arrested for DUI act quickly and contact a qualified DUI lawyer as soon as possible!

If my license is suspended for a DUI, can I get a license to drive to work?

In almost every case, yes. Depending on your criminal and driving record, we can almost always get you a Restricted Driver's License that will allow you to drive to and from work. It will also allow you to drive between locations, if your job requires you to travel as part of your duties.

What are the major areas of concern in a DUI case?

1. Whether the stop was constitutional,
2. Whether the administration of roadside tests was constitutional,
3. Whether there was Probable Cause for the arrest,
4. How Miranda warnings will play a role in the case with statements and other evidence,
5. How the Field Sobriety Tests or other roadside tests were administered,
6. The administration, chain of custody and preservation of any Breath or Blood Samples given,
7. The constitutionality of the search and seizure under the Tennessee and United States Constitution.

You will soon have your day in court. It may seem that everything is stacked against you, but the state prosecutor has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. That's a very high standard and a experienced DUI attorney is going to fight to protect your rights, using every legal and investigative technique at their disposal.

Marcos Garza is a Tennessee DUI / DWI Defense lawyer with The Garza Law Firm, PLLC