Alcohol-related incidents are legal issues that are inspired by alcohol consumption or intoxication. One of the commonest types of alcohol-related incidents is drunk driving. However, others could border on assault and battery, indecent exposure, endangerment of a minor, and more. Such cases as these should be taken seriously as they could affect the defendant’s freedom and future. It’s best to get an alcohol-related accident injury lawyer at Bengal Law or any other reputable law firm with a track record of success representing clients in similar situations.
Below is some important information you need to get a better understanding of alcohol-related incidents.
Types of Alcohol-Related Incidents
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the commonest alcohol-related incidents. It is characterized by the defendant consuming more alcohol than they are legally allowed to while driving or operating machinery.
Drunk driving is a risky offense that carries legal punishments because it exposes not only the driver to risks but also other road users. The extent of drunk driving charges often depends on the gravity of the offense. In general, DUI offenses are classed into two based on the severity and associated punishment.
- Misdemeanor DUI
- Felony DUI
Misdemeanor DUIs are DUI cases wherein the drunk driver was arrested for a first-time offense or for going over the legal Blood Alcohol Content limit without endangering another. Depending on the state, this could include getting pulled over for driving while drunk, failing the field sobriety test at DUI checkpoints, or being in control of a vehicle while drunk.
Such DUI cases often carry lesser punishments, which may include fines, a few days or weeks in jail, and/or community services.
On the other hand, Felony DUI cases are aggravated and often involve repeated offenses within a given time or extensive damage to the public. For example, an aggravated DUI may involve multiple car accidents and injuries caused by a drunk driver. It could also include the death of a person due to drunk driving. Such cases often carry steeper penalties, including fines plus years in prison, revocation of driving license, and more.
It’s important to seek legal help in all cases of DUI, whether you’re a first-time offender or a subsequent offender facing misdemeanor or felony DUI charges.
Assault and Battery
Alcohol can oftentimes cause people to react more violently than they will do when sober. This effect can cause people to get into fights or brawls in public or private. Public brawls or fights can lead to several outcomes, including severe injuries, gunshot wounds, hospitalizations, and even death.
In such instances, defendants may face not just alcohol-related charges but other capital charges that could effectively compromise their freedom.
For example, aggravated assault and battery charges can attract conviction penalties like prison time. It is important for defendants facing such charges to seek immediate legal help as soon as they have been arrested.
Domestic Violence
Similar to assault and battery, domestic violence is violent actions to harm or hurt a member of one’s family or household. This could include physical assault, depriving a family member of seeking medical help and support, purposeful infliction of pain on a family or household member, and more.
Domestic violence cases can also carry elements of assault and battery. In fact, the defendant may be charged with multiple offenses, including assault and battery, and more.
It is important to also seek legal help immediately to improve the chances of a positive outcome.
How to Handle Alcohol-Related Incidents?
Alcohol-related incidents can compromise one’s life and future. Below are recommended steps to take.
Avoid Explanations
One of the biggest ways by which people complicate their cases is through explanations. During an arrest, your rights will be read to you, which includes the right to remain silent. This is to protect you from volunteering information that could later harm you and your chances in court.
Ensure that you aren’t offering any explanations to get yourself out of an arrest. Also, ensure that you do not answer any police questions until you have your lawyer seated.
Avoid Struggling with the Police
Self-defense is an instinctive thing to do, especially when you’re being restrained and it appears your freedom will be taken away. However, it is important to cooperate with the police officers during the arrest process to avoid additional charges.
Struggling with police officers can further complicate your case as you may now be faced with more charges like resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, and more.
Contact Your Lawyer
Ensure that you contact a lawyer as soon as you’ve been arrested. This can significantly shape your case’s outcome and improve your chances of making bail.
Contact your lawyer to discuss the charges against you, get explanations regarding your legal chances, and act accordingly as the lawyer has directed.
Alcohol-related incidents can be damaging to your freedom and reputation. It’s best to consult a qualified attorney so you can chart a way forward together.
Also Read: Car Management Using Smartphones in the Near Future