5 Reasons Why You Should Engage A DUI Attorney

So, why do you need a lawyer for a DUI? Let’s say you got caught driving in Pennsylvania. Now, hiring a DUI defense lawyer might seem a little odd. I mean, you made a mistake anyway!

You were drunk driving, got caught, and now you are about to face all your consequences. Right?

What if I tell you that’s kind of wrong! What if I tell you there are many ways a defense DUI lawyer can help you with this?

You can seek a defense lawyer’s involvement and assert your defenses even when you were drunk driving!

What is the best available option for you? Maybe pleading for negotiation. The defense lawyer can also guide you to find the options to avoid all the convictions.

Hi! In today’s blog, I will discuss the five plausible reasons why it is worth hiring a DUI defense lawyer if you get caught driving under the influence.

Concept Of DUI

DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence. It refers to when a person drives their car or motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

DUI cases can get very tricky, making it essential for individuals to seek help when facing one.

“A DUI is a violation of traffic laws. However, depending on the offense accompanying it, it can go beyond that,” says criminal lawyer Christopher L. Jones from Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, LLC.  

Why Do You Need A Lawyer For A DUI? The Top 5 Reasons

Driving under the influence can result in your driver’s license being suspended and may even result in a large fine.

You may also have to appear in court many times, which may prove challenging without the help of an attorney who understands DUI laws.

More so, traffic laws and the laws guiding DUI cases vary by state. Each state has its own set of rules that guide DUI and the punishment meted out. So, you may need to navigate a labyrinth of laws even to prove your case in court.

All these show why you need a lawyer. The following are five reasons that require a DUI lawyer to help you with your DUI case.

Reason One: Suspension Of Your License

The court may suspend your driver’s license when you are guilty of a DUI case. You should know that lawyers and prosecutors can meet out of court to strike a deal.

When you hire a DUI attorney, they may strike an agreement with the prosecutor that lessens the initial license suspension term you may receive if you appear in court.

Further, if your case reaches court and you appear before a judge, a DUI can help you build your case and prepare a defense for you to get a lessened suspension time.

They would also guide you through the police interrogation process. In most cases, people tend to incriminate themselves during police interrogation. It may lead to receiving the maximum license suspension time in court. A DUI attorney will ensure that you do not incriminate yourself during such an interrogation.

Reason Two: Cost Of DUI Cases

DUI lawyers are skilled negotiators. They can help you save more money by negotiating with the prosecutor to bring down your fine to a reasonable and affordable amount.

Further, getting a plea bargain is better than spending time in court, as most lawyers charge by the hour.

DUI lawyers may help you get a plea bargain and save money navigating a lengthy court process.

Reasons Three: Court Appearance

Appearing in court too many times may affect your work time. You may have to sacrifice valuable work hours to appear in court.

When you hire a DUI attorney, they may negotiate with the prosecutor outside the court so you do not have to appear.

Reason Four: Legal Procedure

You should know that your attorney may know the prosecutor handling your case. This gives them direct access to the prosecutor, allowing them to negotiate outside court.

A DUI attorney may also negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. It will also minimize your court appearance time.

With the plea bargain, your attorney may negotiate reduced fines and a reduced license suspension period. They may also negotiate your potential incarceration for house arrest.

They also help you negotiate to reduce your jail time if your case warrants one and help you prepare a defense in court.

Further, if your case goes to trial, lawyers know what to consider in selecting juries that may rule in your favor.

Reason Five: Police Investigation

When you have a DUI lawyer, they can help you with police communication and stand as your attorney during interrogation. It will ensure that you do not say things that might incriminate you and lead to serving jail time.

Penalties Of DUI

The penalty may be severe when you are guilty of a DUI charge. The court may give you the following penalties:

Incarceration	The court may rule that you serve time in jail. This harsh penalty normally occurs if you’ve injured someone or have multiple prior DUIs. However, first-time offenders can also be incarcerated if the judge thinks it’s warranted.
Fines	If you are guilty of a DUI charge, the court may impose a heavy fine.
Suspension of license	This is the most familiar penalty for a DUI charge. Your driver’s license will be suspended if you are convicted of a DUI. The suspension could last for months or years, depending on the severity of the charge.
Ignition interlock device	This device tracks your movement. If you are banned from driving or restricted from moving to specific locations, the court may rule that you wear this device to monitor your movement.

 

Lastly, What To Consider Before Engaging An Attorney!

Before you contact an attorney, consider a few things. Try to engage a lawyer as much as possible through referrals and recommendations.

However, do not rely on that alone. Check the pages of the recommended lawyer online before settling for them.

Also, you should ensure you meet with the recommended lawyer physically before you engage them. It will serve as an interview and help you objectively assess their readiness for your case.

Speak with them about your case, show them the police report, and then ask them as many questions as possible.

Ensure they clarify any questions or objections you may have. This will build the desired foundation for a successful case.

If they do not satisfy you, do not engage them. A DUI goes permanently on your record. You do not want that, so you must put more effort into engaging an ideal criminal lawyer.

Also, they must meet all your needs, so you should avoid arbitrarily engaging an attorney.

So, Yes! You Need An Attorney For The Court Trial

So, if you are wondering, “Why do you need a lawyer for a DUI?” I think I have made it pretty simple for you to understand.

Even though you have the authority to represent yourself for the DUI trial, I would say it is not a good plan at all. One single mistake due to your lack of experience and knowledge can cost you big time!

In addition, the judges are pretty impatient with self-represented defendants who have no idea about the court’s rules.

So, the bottom line is, do not try to handle DUI cases yourself; rather, try to have an attorney for yourself.

Read Also:

• 3 Common Types of Drug Charges in Australia
• Know What Happens When You Get a DUI and How to Get Out of It!
• Katie Lewis Attorney: The Importance of Vetting Attorneys for DUI Convictions