Picture this – you’ve had a little bit too much to drink, so instead of driving home, you do the responsible thing. You kick your shoes off, turn your car on to get the heat going, and try to sleep your intoxication off. However, you don’t expect to wake up to a police officer knocking on your window to charge you with a DUI. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, knowing how to proceed is crucial. Keep reading to learn how an Anne Arundel and Howard County DUI lawyer can help you.
How Can I Get a DUI if I’m Sleeping?
Though you may assume you must be driving to be charged with a “driving under the influence” charge, you can face this charge for simply sleeping in your car.
Generally, officers and courts will look at the following factors when determining if a DUI charge is necessary and convictable:
- Whether or not the vehicle was on
- The location of the keys
- Whether the vehicle was legally parked
- Where you were sleeping in the vehicle
- If the headlights were on
What Are the Penalties?
The penalties for a DUI or DWI can be severe, even for first-time offenders. If you’re facing a DWI/DUI charge, meaning you had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.07% or higher, you face up to one year in jail, a suspended license, and a fine of up to $1,000.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
If you’re facing DUI or DWI charges for doing the right thing, ensuring you have an attorney on your side is crucial. They can help examine the circumstances and evidence surrounding your charge to help prove you had no intention of driving your vehicle.
For example, if the weather was cold, so you turned the car on for heat and proceed to climb in the back seat, your attorney can help prove you had no intention of driving the vehicle.
Ensuring you enlist the help of an attorney is essential to keeping your record clean. A DUI is a severe criminal charge, meaning it can have ramifications for the rest of your life. However, the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz will fight to prove your innocence. Reach out today to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you.
