Top Reasons To Hire A DUI Lawyer

Posted on: 23 February 2021

DUI convictions come with severe consequences such as imprisonment, steep fines, and license suspension. If you're facing DUI charges, you should hire an attorney to handle your case. A DUI lawyer can help you determine the strength of your case and avoid significant consequences such as a license suspension or jail time. Here are some main reasons you should hire a DUI attorney.

Case Review

When accused of a DUI, the first thing you should do is hire a lawyer to review your case. The penalties for a DUI will depend on the facts of your case and the laws in your state. Many DUI lawyers offer a free consultation.

During a meeting with your lawyer, take with you the police report and any other documents that will help them review your case. You should also be honest with your lawyer about whether you're guilty of drunk driving. Your lawyer will determine if there are any defenses they can use to reduce or nullify the charges or whether there is a chance for a plea bargain. 

License Suspension

Currently, 42 states and the District of Columbia have passed administrative license suspension (ALR) laws that permit police officers to suspend a driver's license when the driver fails a field sobriety test. This means your driver's license can be suspended without having to go through court proceedings. One of the reasons this law was passed is because your driving privileges are granted by the state and should therefore be taken away by the state.

If you get a license suspension under such circumstances, you'll need a DUI lawyer to help contest the results of the field sobriety test. Your lawyer will also help you claim that the appropriate standards were not followed when administering the sobriety test. In states where ARL laws don't apply, like Pennsylvania, your lawyer can help you apply for an ignition interlock limited license.

Avoid Conviction

One of the essential benefits of hiring an attorney is to avoid conviction. The main way that your attorney will avoid a conviction is through a plea bargain. Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecution to avoid penalties that could place you behind bars.

However, a plea bargain will come with some kind of compromise on your part. For example, you have to go for counseling or attend a meeting for alcoholics like Alcohol Anonymous. The prosecution may also demand that you meet a probation officer regularly or submit to random drug and alcohol tests.

Share