Driving under the influence (DUI), sometimes referred to as driving while intoxicated (DWI), is a traffic violation that can incur serious physical, legal, professional, and personal consequences. However, it is important to remember that, if you are charged with DUI/DWI, your best course of action would be to hire a DUI/DWI attorney who will ensure that your rights are protected during your legal proceedings.
Expertise and Knowledge
The foremost benefit of hiring a DUI/DWI attorney is obvious: expertise in DUI/DWI law. A good DWI/DUI attorney will have experience handling cases similar to yours and will understand the nuances of the law as it pertains to your case. They will be able to explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and the legal process that will unfold.
A less obvious benefit of hiring a DUI/DWI attorney is their skill in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. They can review the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any chemical tests, to determine whether or not the prosecution has a strong case against you. They will also be able to identify any legal or procedural issues that could affect the outcome of your case.
Reduced Penalties
If you are convicted of DUI/DWI, you may face fines, license suspension, mandatory attendance in DUI education classes, and even lengthy jail time. A DWI/DUI attorney can work to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the penalties you face. For example, they may be able to negotiate for reduced fines or a shorter license suspension period.
In some cases, a plea deal will not be available, which means that your attorney will begin to prepare for a trial. By having an attorney to represent you during ongoing court proceedings, they may reduce your penalties or eliminate them altogether. Having a legal professional available to represent you and to ensure that your rights are not violated during your trial is of the utmost importance.
Navigating the Legal System
As one might expect, navigating the legal system is a labyrinthian task, which can require a mountain of paperwork and other administrative tasks. While you may have no experience with filing legal documents, you can be sure that your attorney does. Not only will they submit your paperwork properly, they will do so in an efficient and timely manner.
In addition, a DWI/DUI attorney will be able to explain the legal process to you in a way that you can understand. They will answer any questions you have and help you feel more comfortable with the legal process. This can be especially important if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your case.
One method of defense that your attorney can employ is to argue in regards to the time that law enforcement officers may have held you while being detained. Officers are aware that breathalyzer readings increase over time, which may result in a higher blood alcohol content reading, leading to an arrest.
False Blood Alcohol Content Readings
One method of defense that your attorney can employ is to argue BAC levels at the time of the DUI investigation. BAC rises over time, which means that your body may not have absorbed the alcohol you may have ingested while you were operating a vehicle. By the time that an officer takes you to the station for a breathalyzer reading, however, your BAC may have increased beyond the legal limit. Your attorney can argue in your favor that your BAC, at the time of the arrest, was beneath the legal limit and only rose above the limit afterwards.
Protecting Your Rights
Finally, a DWI/DUI attorney will be able to protect your rights throughout the legal process. They will make sure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are not violated. This can include protecting your right to remain silent, your right to legal counsel, and your right to a fair trial.
In addition, a DWI/DUI attorney will be able to advise you on how to interact with law enforcement and the prosecution. They will explain what you should and should not say, and help you avoid incriminating yourself.
Choosing the Right DWI/DUI Attorney
If you are facing a DUI or DWI charge, it is important to choose the right DWI/DUI attorney to represent you. Here are some tips for choosing the right attorney:
Look for experience: Choose an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. They should have a track record of success in DUI/DWI cases.
Check their reputation: Look for an attorney who has a good reputation in the legal community. You can check online reviews, ask for referrals from friends and family, or check with the state bar association.
Read reviews and testimonials: Browse an attorney’s website and read as many online reviews as possible. This is a great way to assess an attorney’s level of professionalism, experience, and success.
Schedule a consultation: Finally, reach out to your attorney of choice for a consultation. While not every DUI/DWI attorney offers a free consultation, the option is becoming more common. Use the consultation to inquire about critical aspects of your case, such as their defense strategy as well as their fees.
Reviewing the Facts
A DUI/DWI attorney can be the difference between a life-altering sentence or a preferable outcome. Even if you’ve been charged with DUI/DWI, your rights need to be protected in a court of law, and there is no one more qualified to ensure that your case is treated to the letter of the law than a DUI/DWI attorney.
If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence and you believe that you were falsely arrested, then use our free consultation form for a confidential, no-obligation consultation with a DUI/DWI attorney or call us at (800) 384-5297.
