When Can A DUI Attorney Help You?
It is often the case that individuals facing a DUI charge either strike a plea bargain or plead guilty in court. Because it is so easy to prove that an individual was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, it can leave the defendant without many options to plead innocent. So, why should a defendant retain legal council if this is the case? The following scenarios will demonstrate when it is important to retain a DUI attorney for your impending DUI case.
If this is your first offense, you may not require a DUI attorney to assist you. It can be helpful to hire them to assist you with the next steps, and to counsel you as to what to expect. However, most DUI attorneys will have you just plead guilty to the offense, as it can often be more costly to you to fight the case. If you have never been charged with a DUI, the punishment is much more lax than if you have been convicted before. Typically, this just involves the payment of a large fine, suspension of your driving privileges, and state mandated classes.
If this is not your first offense, you will definitely want to hire a DUI attorney HERE. Repeat offenders who are convicted usually incur jail time, and some states even require it if the defendant is found guilty. So, if you are a repeat offender, you will definitely want to hire a DUI attorney to help you fight your case in court.
There are several times when a DUI attorney can be a huge asset to you. If, for example, you have a blood alcohol level that is close to the legal limit, your DUI attorney can fight to get your case dropped or reduce your sentence by arguing that the breathalyzer is not always totally accurate.
If you are looking to negotiate a plea bargain, you definitely want to have a DUI attorney for this, as most judges and lawyers will not negotiate with you as the defendant if you do not have formal legal training. If you want the best lawyers near you, check it out!
So, if you have been charged with a DUI, especially if you are a repeat offender, you will definitely want to retain the assistance of a DUI attorney. They can be a great asset to you as they can use their unique experience in their field to get you the best possible outcome they can in your DUI case. Read http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Driving_while_intoxicated.aspx to know more about DWI.