If you have been charged with a DUI then there are some serious consequences that can come with it, including criminal charges and even future employment issues. Working with a DUI attorney can be in your best interest. Attorneys with deep experience with DUI cases can provide you with a number of benefits.
DUI Laws Are Complicated
The legal system, especially for DUI laws, can be complicated. Lawyers study the ins and outs of DUI law and can understand the ambiguities that can affect your case. DUI laws have gotten even stricter across the state so it’s helpful to have a lawyer on your side that really can understand your situation.
Experience in the Courtroom
Any courtroom matters are best left to a DUI lawyer. You shouldn’t represent yourself in a DUI case. There is so much on the line that having a qualified lawyer can be the best option. DUI lawyers can fight the DUI charges. Any DUI convictions stay on your permanent criminal record and can affect your livelihood for years to come. By fighting your charges, you can avoid some serious consequences that are coming your way. You will need a lawyer if you go to trial.
Help with Paperwork
Even if your case isn’t going to make it to the courtroom, there is likely a lot of paperwork when you are arrested with a DUI charge. An attorney can help you make sure that the right forms are completed on time and take care of this process for you.
Lawyers Understand the Process of Drunk Driving
DUI attorneys are skilled in understanding the science behind drunk driving. In some cases, the prosecutor relies on the accuracy of the evidence. Many different defenses can be brought against this evidence, including faulty breathalyzer tests.
Help You Save Money
You may think that hiring a DUI attorney can be too expensive, but it can actually help you save money. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal system in a more efficient way, which means less time in court and that can save you a lot of money.
Helping You Find the Best Course of Action
Experienced attorneys have handled several different cases in the past and have a thorough understanding of your case and your chances of being sentenced. They can guide you through the best course of action for the case, whether it’s pleading not guilty or taking a plea deal.
A Better Sentence
An experienced attorney can help you have a lighter sentence since he or she understands the regulations and laws related to your case and is able to build a strong defense. A strong defense in your case can lead to a better sentence or even a complete dismissal of your case.
Help You Get Your License Back
Many DUI charges can mean that you get your license suspended, but a DUI attorney can help be your advocate so you can get your license back and maintain some much-needed personal freedom.
Peace of Mind
You will feel at ease and more confident knowing that your case is being handled by an experienced professional who knows the system. DUI cases can be extremely stressful so this peace of mind can be worth the cost of a lawyer.
Should You Go At It Alone?
There are some cases where you may not need a lawyer. Prosecutors usually do have standard first offense pleas for those with a standard first DUI. Generally, an offense is considered standard if there are no prior DUI convictions or there aren’t any other aggravating factors, such as injuries, accidents, or a very high blood alcohol level. The standard offer will be given whether the accused has a public defender, private attorney, or no lawyer at all. Even if it is your first offense and you think the standard plea would be acceptable, you still may want to reconsider going at it with a lawyer. Experienced DUI lawyers can also often whittle down a standard offer by pointing out any weaknesses in the case or bringing other mitigating factors to attention. Accepting a standard offer may not be the best option in cases where there is a viable defense. However, if you aren’t working with a lawyer, you are unlikely to know if you actually have a defense. Before you accept any standard deal, you should always get the opinion of a lawyer.
Even though you will be entitled to a public defender after your arrest, hiring a private DUI attorney can be worth the investment. Hiring a private DUI attorney is done to typically represent you in the DMV proceedings as well as criminal court. Having an attorney work on both aspects of the case can lead to a better outcome, including a shorter license suspension. When you get your own private lawyer, you can decide who your lawyer is going to be. Finding a lawyer that specializes in a DUI case will mean that you get an in-depth understanding of the law and defenses that other lawyers, including public defenders, may not have. The expertise will lead to better results. This can minimize the time you spend in court and you may not even have to be present for some court appearances. This can be especially important for busy professionals who may not be able to miss work. Hiring your own private lawyer can also mean more one-on-one time than you would get with a public defender. Most people feel more comfortable with this since they can get concerns and questions answered and know that the time is being spent on their defense for the best possible outcome.
