After a DUI, you’re faced with a serious decision. You need to choose whether or not you will hire a lawyer. When faced with the question, many people wonder if a DUI lawyer is worth the cost. Your decision has a direct impact on your case. Find out if you should get your own legal representation.
How Does Having a Lawyer Impact Your Case?
To decide if you should get a lawyer, you need to understand how an attorney can impact your case. First, an attorney advises you on the matter. They can keep you from saying or doing something that hurts your case.
Secondly, a lawyer analyzes your case. They look at the evidence against you and know whether or not the prosecution has a strong case. If they don’t your attorney may be able to get the case dismissed.
Even if a dismissal is not possible, your attorney can lessen the charges. You don’t need to face the maximum consequences for your crime. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate and get you a better outcome.
Using a Public Defender
If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be appointed a public defender. You might be tempted to use this free service over a DUI lawyer. However, this would be a mistake. Most public defenders have busy caseloads. They don’t have the same time or resources available as a criminal defense attorney.
As a result, they are less likely to get you a positive outcome. Your chances are much better with an experienced defense attorney.
That said, you’re better off with a public defender than no lawyer. There are some people who opt to forego legal representation. Unless you’re an attorney, this hurts your case. The judicial system is designed to be navigated by professionals, and not those who are being accused of a crime.
The True Cost of Using a DUI Lawyer
At first, hiring a DUI lawyer will cost you more than any other option. However, using a lawyer can save you money in the long run. There is a long list of expenses that come with a DUI conviction. If you don’t use an attorney, you’re likely to feel the financial burden of those expenses.
For instance, there’s the issue of a license suspension. If the court suspends your license, you’re left with the inconvenience of being able to drive. In many cases, this means the offender is unable to get to work. That alone can cost you money.
To get your license reinstated, you also need to pay. The process isn’t easy and takes time and money.
Depending on your conviction, you could go to jail. In addition to losing your current job, you will find it difficult to obtain work in the future. After you serve your time, you might be unemployed or working a minimum wage job. Even your housing could go up in price. If you try to rent a home, the property manager will be able to discover your conviction. They could deny your application and leave you limited in housing options.
Other expenses associated with a DUI conviction include bail, fines, ignition interlock devices, and traffic school. By working with an attorney, you could work towards an innocent verdict and escape all the expenses of a conviction.
Getting the Help You Need
In Miami-Dade County, there were 59 DUI arrests per 100,000 people in 2018. If you’re one of the many people arrested for drunk driving, you deserve aggressive legal representation. Stroleny Law is available to take on your case.
