Being arrested for and charged with a DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol charge, can be one of the most serious criminal offenses most people will ever face. Because of the large fines, the potential for prison time and lengthy probation associated with DUI penalties, and the risk of loss of driver’s license and other issues surrounding a DUI arrest, it is vital to hire a competent attorney to assist you with your DUI case to make sure that you are not charged unjustly, convicted wrongfully, or sentenced unnecessarily. The intricacies and legal wranglings required to successfully avoid conviction in a DUI case are such that you will not be able to go it alone.
What a Lawyer Can Do For You
One vital reason for hiring an attorney to help you with your DUI case is that there are a number of complicated legal factors that can come into play that will help you potentially avoid conviction. For example:
- A lawyer can bring into question the constitutionality of the original traffic stop, and question the probable cause that led the officer to make the initial stop.
- Probable cause and unlawful traffic stops are one of the number one reasons why DUI cases are thrown out by the courts. Having a trained lawyer who can question the police procedures in your case will go a long way to making this happen.
Another reason why it is crucial to have a competent DUI attorney is because the cost of a DUI is so high. The financial costs of a first time DUI conviction can range anywhere from $200 to $4,000 in fines and court costs alone. This does not include the possibility of paying impound fees, paying to have your license reinstated, or paying to attend mandatory DUI and driver safety classes. In addition to this, the loss of your license may result in your inability to maintain your current job, which will leave you in an even worse financial position. Hiring an attorney is much cheaper in the end than having to pay out of pocket for a DUI conviction.
A third reason why a skilled DUI defense attorney is a vital addition to your team in the case of a DUI charge is that prison time is almost always an option in a DUI court, even for first offenders. No one wants to be sentenced to even a day in prison, and having an attorney who can help you navigate the court system and potentially eliminate your sentence or considerably reduce the penalties for your sentence will be the best defense you have if you are charged with or arrested for a DUI.
Getting Help
As soon as you are charged with a DUI, you should contact a competent and experienced lawyer. The earlier your attorney gets involved, the better your chances of successfully fighting the DUI charges and walking away without a conviction or DUI penalties.
