Before agreeing to enter the First Offense Election program in lieu of a DUI or drug offense trial, you should consult with an experienced Delaware criminal defense lawyer. As good as it may sound, it is not necessarily in your best interest to enroll in a program that constitutes a guilty plea and waives your right to a speedy trial.
Entering the program, your license will also be revoked for one year in addition to any other revocation penalties you may have incurred. If you qualify for the First Offense Election — IID Diversion option, which allows operation of a motor vehicle under a work permit and installation of an ignition interlock device at your own expense, you may get behind the wheel again sooner. However, entering the First Offense Election program it also counts the same as a DUI conviction on your criminal record, and your auto insurance will still increase your rates or even drop your coverage completely.
At Stumpf, Vickers & Sandy P.A., our established Georgetown criminal defense attorneys take the time to discuss all your options and thoroughly prepare your case for your best possible result. The Delaware First Offenders Program is available to first-time DUI offenders, but in practice it is not what you might expect up front.
Call us at 302-233-7019 or e-mail us right away to discover the additional options you have in DUI defense.
Reduce Your Costs and Consequences Wisely
To meet the requirements of the First Offense Election program and obtain a work permit, you must complete an alcohol evaluation, enroll in a state-designated alcohol program and install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, all at your own expense. Your license will be revoked for at least one year, and you will lose all driving privileges for a minimum of one month, which usually lasts longer because it usually takes longer than one month to complete all of the requirements.
With the addition of the impacts on your auto insurance, you could also lose your job and your livelihood as your freedoms are restricted under DUI conviction. It is advisable to take the alternate route of retaining the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Our legal team can provide you with professional and cost-effective options in defense.
Call Our Georgetown DUI Arrest Lawyers at 302-233-7019 Today
For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, call or e-mail us today. We will help you consider your options comprehensively, represent your best interests and strive to protect your rights. We also offer criminal record expungement services.
