Anyone charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) should immediately seek the counsel of an experienced drunk driving attorney. A DUI penalty can affect every aspect of a driver's life. DUI penalties are becoming increasingly strict, with some states adopting mandatory minimum sentences. Even the simplest of charges can lead to a suspended driver's license and massive increases in insurance, as well as the loss of a job. On top of that, felony convictions carry a litany of life-changing penalties such as the loss of a driver's vehicle and lengthy prison sentences. With so much at stake, the role of a drunk driving attorney is key to protecting a driver's rights. A drunk driving attorney understands how to plea down a case, and is familiar with all options available within a state's DUI court system. This attorney will work for a driver from the start, including fighting the immediate suspension of a driver's license, and will ensure a driver's best interests are protected.