Why It's Important to Hire a DUI Attorney

by Alexander Bartholomew Knower of things

People often opt to retain DUI lawyers to reduce the adverse impacts of an arrest for drunk driving and reduce or dismiss charges altogether.

They analyze evidence and can file motions before deadlines pass, while conducting evidentiary hearings to uncover any weaknesses in prosecution's case against their clients.

They represent clients in court

If you have been charged with DUI, it is essential that you hire an experienced attorney. Navigating the legal system can be complex; therefore, an experienced DUI attorney is essential in helping reduce potential consequences associated with conviction.

Prepare for trial: Communicate with prosecution, review evidence, subpoena it and prepare witnesses; attempt to negotiate better deals or even drop cases altogether by pressuring prosecution; attend arraignments (usually scheduled a few weeks after an arrest for DUI); advise their clients as to the appropriate plea to enter at hearings while applying pressure on the prosecution for a better offer or drop.

If a DUI lawyer can successfully undermine the prosecution's case enough, they may be able to have charges dropped or reduced to something less serious, like wet reckless driving. Furthermore, knowing what deadlines exist and filing motions before their expiration dates becomes essential.

They analyze the evidence

An DUI conviction can have a lasting effect on your life, with potential jail time, fines and even criminal record consequences reverberating throughout. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney may help mitigate those effects by reviewing all evidence in your case and identifying any mistakes made during investigation or otherwise that might have gone undetected.

Discovery is the cornerstone of any DUI case and should be conducted as early as possible in the proceedings. A skilled DUI lawyer can use discovery to build strong defenses and reveal potential loopholes that may turn around your case.

An attorney specializing in DUI can identify ways that your Breathalyzer test results might have been inaccurate and assess results of standard field sobriety tests, like horizontal gaze nystagmus. This test requires following a pen with your eyes while looking out for any involuntary head jerking that might indicate intoxication.

They negotiate with the prosecution

In most states, an individual may be found guilty of DUI if their blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit - regardless of whether they were staggering, slurring their words, or otherwise appeared drunk. Because of this risk, having an experienced DUI attorney representing your interests during your case is vitally important.

Your attorney may be able to negotiate reduced or dropped charges through negotiations with the prosecution or by exploiting legal loopholes.

Plea bargaining is a crucial component of criminal justice systems, saving courts, prosecutors and defendants time, money and resources - as such it should always be considered in everyone's best interest to avoid a trial where possible. When making these decisions it is wise to consult your lawyer as this will allow you to understand any implications and make informed decisions for your future.

They represent clients in trials

If you are facing DUI charges, hiring an experienced DUI attorney will ensure your case is handled in an effective and appropriate manner. They can advise on how best to answer police interviews as well as when and what statements should be said during interviews; additionally they can help expunge convictions that may impede employment opportunities or credit ratings.

By showing that the breath or blood tests were administered improperly or were calibrated incorrectly, they can challenge their results and potentially get them dismissed altogether, sparing the defendant jail time, fines, license suspension or higher auto insurance rates.

At trial, both parties typically present opening statements outlining how they plan to prove your guilt. After these arguments have concluded, defense will present its closing argument, outlining any weaknesses in evidence or reasons to doubt your innocence. After closing arguments have concluded, a judge will then instruct jurors on law and deliberations will begin; should no verdict be reached within 72 hours, mistrial may be declared by the court.