how smart is it to get a lawyer for a dui

Yes, getting a DUI lawyer is worth every penny. A good DUI lawyer is educated and trained in blood testing, DUI breath and the science and law behind DUI cases. With this knowledge and experience, they can plead down cases to lesser offenses or have your charges dismissed.

Full Answer

Is it hard to find a good DUI lawyer?

In most areas, there are lots of attorneys who handle DUI cases. So, choosing who to hire can be difficult. Of course, there's no perfect formula for finding a good DUI lawyer, but here are some suggestions you might want to consider.

How can a DUI lawyer help you?

A DUI lawyer can read the charges you are accused of by the State law enforcement authorities and negotiate your bail amount with judicial authorities and the local district attorney. If your DUI case doesn’t involve a fatal injury, you will most of the time avoid imprisonment and be requested to pay bail to return home.

Do I need an appointed lawyer for a DUI case?

So, it can be difficult for a defendant to get lots of one-on-one time with an appointed attorney. But for DUI cases in particular, there's another issue with having an appointed lawyer that could put you at a disadvantage.

What should I Ask my DUI lawyer during my consultation?

During your initial consultation with a DUI attorney, it’s highly advised to ask them if they will be the one standing next to you in court or if your case will be passed down to other lawyers.

Will I go to jail for my first DUI in Illinois?

The first DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois that carries jail time of up to a year and a fine that ranges from $500 to $2,500. Other consequences you could face if you've been charged with a DUI for the first time in Illinois include: Expensive court costs, fees, and surcharges.

Can I drive on a DUI ticket in Illinois?

Can I Still Drive Right Now After My DUI Arrest? As long as you had a valid license on the date of your arrest, you can STILL drive for 46 days after your arrest. However, at midnight on the 46th day, your license will be suspended. If you have an Illinois driver's license, the officer probably took your license.

Do I need a lawyer for DUI in California?

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you may be wondering whether you need an attorney for a first offense DUI? The short answer is: yes, you should definitely hire a DUI attorney to defend you because if you're not familiar with California DUI law, it will be difficult for you to properly defend yourself.

Can you fight a DUI in California?

After a DUI arrest in California, don't ever just assume the case against you will be proven, and you can't possibly fight and beat California DUI charges, even if you took and failed any chemical or field sobriety tests that were given.

How do you get a DUI dismissed in Illinois?

A driver can get out of a DUI charge, despite failed test results or refusing Breathalyzer tests. Legal motions, police report errors, and arrest technicalities are the best way how to beat a DUI and get out of an ignition interlock in Illinois.

How long do you lose your license for a DUI in Illinois?

For a first DUI conviction, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year, unless you are under 21 years old, and then your license is suspended for two years.

Will I go to jail for my first DUI in California?

How long can you be in jail for a DUI? For a first DUI offender, you may face 2-days in jail but will receive an additional 48-hours if you refused BAC testing. For every subsequent DUI conviction, the court will impose a mandatory minimum jail time. If you caused an injury or fatality, the penalties are more severe.

How much does a DUI cost in California 2021?

* How much does a DUI cost? California DUI fines range from $390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments & fees that can raise the total cost to $18,000, depending on your DUI charge. DUI with injury or property damage may also require you to pay injured parties.

How long does a DUI stay on your record?

five to 10 yearsA DUI or DWI usually stays on your driving record for five to 10 years and your insurance record for three to five years. Besides all of the legal trouble that can come with a DUI, your driving record is blemished. A DUI stays on your driving record for five to 10 years in most states.

How can I get a DUI dropped in California?

How to Get Your DUI Charge in California DismissedComplete Your Probation.Follow All the Requirements.Claim That it was an Unreasonable Traffic Stop.Check for False Sobriety Tests.Prove That they Violated the Breath Test Procedure.Show Suppressed Blood Tests.

How long do you stay in jail for a DUI in California?

Minimum 180 days jail time (6 months), maximum 1 year or 16 months in state prison. DUI can be tried as a felony if you killed or severely injured someone, or if you have numerous repeat offenses. Felony DUI carries 1 to 5 years in state prison.

How long does a DUI case take in California?

Police reports and other discoverable information may also be obtain through the California DMV's administrative process. Most cases that do not go to trial will generally settle within 3-6 months. If ending the case quickly is important to you then let me know why and we will discuss your options.

Why do you need a DUI attorney?

This is why you need a DUI attorney who can assess both the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

What is the legal limit for a DUI?

Every state has a set of DUI laws that deems a driver "per se intoxicated" if their blood-alcohol concentration, or BAC, is over a limit of 0.08, which applies to all states. Further complicating matters is that your state might charge you with violations of more than one law.

What does "driving under the influence" mean?

DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence, but your state might also use DWI, which means driving while intoxicated. Some states even use OWI for operating while intoxicated or OVI for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. 7. Be Prepared To Ask Your Own Questions And Write Down Answers.

How many people were arrested for DUI in 2012?

In the year 2012 alone, over a million drivers got arrested for driving under the influence of either narcotics or alcohol, a rate of 1 arrest for every 165 licensed drivers across the country. A DUI arrest is quite a stressful experience. However, it's crucial to keep your composure enough to deal with the circumstances as best you can.

What do lawyers need to prepare for a consultation?

Good lawyers can be quite busy. To prepare for consultations, you need first to make sure you have the necessary documents assembled and with you. That includes court documents spelling out your charges and court date, your bail papers, and if possible, the police report itself.

Why do I want to hire an attorney?

Part of the reason you want to hire an attorney is that they not only know the law but how to speak to other legal professionals, like prosecutors, district attorneys, and judges, about legal matters.

Do public defenders have to pay for DUI?

Public defenders are free of charge to you, and they are very familiar with the DUI laws of a state and common defenses. They also usually know the local judges and prosecutors well enough to know what tendencies they have, which is useful in pursuit of a plea bargain.

What happens if a state is not a slam dunk?

If it's not a slam-dunk case for the prosecution, generally speaking, then there may be an opportunity for a plea bargain. Trials are expensive and take up space on the docket, so the state may rather accept a plea to a lesser charge rather than go through a trial it may eventually lose.

Should I hire a lawyer for a DUI?

It can be difficult deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer if you've been charged with a DUI. On one hand, an attorney can help defend you against less-than-solid charges or where the stakes are especially high. On the other hand, you don't want to spend all of that money for something you think you can do yourself with a little elbow grease and determination. But, considering the consequences of a DUI conviction, it's usually a good idea to at least consult with an local DUI attorney. After all, the attorney will be much more knowledgeable about your local DUI laws and how best to defend against the charges.

Can an attorney negotiate a DUI charge?

And if it's a DUI charge involving drugs other than alcohol, an attorney may be able to negotiate away random drug testing or other conditions of probation. But, as with plea bargaining, "sentence bargaining" goes much smoother when handled by an attorney.

Should I consult a DUI attorney?

But, considering the consequences of a DUI conviction, it's usually a good idea to at least consult with an local DUI attorney. After all, the attorney will be much more knowledgeable about your local DUI laws and how best to defend against the charges.

Is DUI a criminal offense?

Driving under the influence ( DUI ) is a very serious criminal charge in most states, despite how common it may seem, since impaired driving puts the lives of so many people at risk.

Can you get your license suspended for a wet reckless driving?

Also, your driver's license will not be suspended after a wet reckless unless your BAC is higher than .08 percent. But keep in mind that a wet reckless conviction may still be considered a "prior DUI offense" if you are charged with a second such offense.

Can you go to jail for a DUI?

Courts in most states are willing to bargain down a DUI sentence in exchange for a guilty plea in certain instances. For example, you may be facing charges for a second or third DUI, which can land you in prison for a few months or years. Instead of taking it to trial, the prosecution may be willing to reduce the sentence in exchange ...

Can a defendant get enough attention from their attorney?

Defendants often complain about not getting enough attention from their court-appointed attorney. Court-appointed counsel—especially public defenders—are usually very busy. So, it can be difficult for a defendant to get lots of one-on-one time with an appointed attorney.

Can a mistake in handling a DUI be avoided?

And a mistake or oversight in handling a DUI charge can easily lead to a bad result that could have been avoided. Whether you go with a private DUI lawyer or a public defender, you're generally better off with an attorney than you are representing yourself.

Can I get an attorney after a DUI?

Whatever your process for finding an attorney, it's important not to delay. Even though your court date might be a ways off, it's often necessary to take immediate action to challenge the DMV's suspension of your license. So, getting in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest is crucial.

Is DUI a complicated case?

However, DUI law is complicated and the facts of every case are different. So, it's hard for the average person without any legal training or experience to know if there are any viable defenses or ways to minimize the consequences of a DUI arrest.

Do DUI cases end with plea bargains?

Most DUI cases end with a plea bargain. An attorney's knowledge and skill can certainly come into play in reaching a good deal. But if you want to take your case to trial, you might want an attorney who has a decent amount of trial experience. Free consultations.

Why should I hire a lawyer for a DUI?

6 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lawyer for a DUI Case. A DUI charge isn’t something that you should brush off lightly. It can have dire, long-lasting consequences. For this reason, it’s important to hire an experienced DUI attorney. Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal and dangerous.

Why is it important to have a good attorney for a DUI?

A good attorney can help minimize your penalty or sentence because when it comes to legal matters, knowledge, and experience are invaluable. Lower Court Costs.

What happens if you get convicted of a drunk driving offense?

If you’re convicted of a serious drunk driving offense, you may be asked to install an ignition interlock device for a certain period after your driving privileges get restored. Every time you take the wheel, you’ll have to blow into the device which checks whether you’re drunk or not.

What happens if you get a DUI?

Every DUI is different as are their outcomes. Some result in hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent suspension of the driving license. Others may lead to moderate fines and a temporary suspension of the offender’s driving license.

What to do if you get convicted of DUI?

He can help you obtain the right settlement quickly and efficiently. However, when you’re convicted of DUI, you must hire an attorney because so much more is at stake.

Can a DUI be removed from your record?

Depending on the details of the case and your criminal history (if any), your lawyer may be able to reduce the consequences and even get your DUI removed from the record. A DUI can seriously damage your reputation, so having it removed is a big plus.

Can you lose your driving privileges?

Losing driving privileges can seriously impact your work, social, and home life. That said, all is not lost. An experienced and reputable DUI lawyer can save the day for you by getting your charges reduced so that you can have your driving license reinstated after your case is over. Reduce Insurance Costs.