how to handle a dui without a lawyer

In most cases the answer is simple: no, you cannot beat a DUI without the assistance of a lawyer. If you want to get your charges reduced or dropped, you’ll most likely have to go to trial.

Full Answer

How much does a DUI attorney cost?

How to Fight a DUI without a Lawyer. It is impossible to beat DUI without a lawyer unless you use free legal advice from DUI experts on how to proceed in court. If you are trying to find ways to beat a DUI case without a lawyer, you should first understand the gravity of the decision. The key is to know whether you can avoid charges without the help of an experienced DUI/DWI lawyer.

Do I need an attorney for DUI?

Jan 31, 2018 · A court-appointed attorney cannot represent you in your MVA hearing and, since it bears so heavily on your DUI case in court, it is always best to have an attorney defend you at the MVA hearing. What you say at the MVA hearing can be used against you in court, and it is very easy for a defendant to speak their way into an irreversible position trying to represent …

Should I hire an attorney to fight my DUI charge?

Each case is unique, and the circumstances revolving your arrest – though they may be like others – are unique. The answer to whether you can beat a DUI without an attorney depends on many individual factors. In most cases the answer is simple: no, you cannot beat a DUI without the assistance of a lawyer. Reducing or Dropping Charges

How to beat a DUI?

The court will allow you to handle your DUI case without a lawyer. Unfortunately, effective DUI defense requires a great deal of specialized knowledge. Even if you think you likely will be convicted, there may be many defenses you can raise to avoid a guilty verdict and you may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain that allows for a lesser penalty.

What to do after a DUI arrest?

The next step after a DUI arrest is your arraignment in a criminal courtroom, the hearing at which you will be formally charged with driving under the influence and where you will either enter your plea, agree to a plea deal, or move to go to trial. Only an experienced attorney can advise you of the best response to your charges at your arraignment. Your attorney can even speak on your behalf without you being present, leaving you time to attend work or school.

What to do if you are fighting without an attorney?

If you’re fighting your case without an attorney, you will want to review all the evidence there is against you, even if you can clearly remember the arrest, what you think you said, and what the police officer says you said could be two different things. Having an attorney gather this evidence will help you ensure you have accurately gathered all the evidence the prosecutor will throw at you, and will likely have a better defense than you will come up with due to the experience, and from simply being familiar with the prosecutor and judge.

Is DUI law updated?

DUI law is complex and laws are frequently updated before being posted to the internet, where many people defending themselves get their information. Some states implement several new laws every year. Through professional resources, your lawyer will be up to date on all the most recent updates to the law and new laws in your state, even if the information is not yet available to the general public via the internet.

Reducing or Dropping Charges

If you want to get your charges reduced or dropped, you’ll most likely have to go to trial. No matter what you’ve seen on TV or read in books, the average person is typically not fit to represent him or herself in a court of law when fighting against the district attorney and the state.

The General Consensus

In most of cases, both sides are looking for a way to avoid going to trial, which usually means both prosecution and defense are game for a plea deal. Even in these cases, you don’t want to go it alone. It’s your lawyer’s job to negotiate the best plea deal he or she can possible get you, based on the facts of your unique case.

What is a DUI attorney?

A local DUI attorney who examines a person’s arrest information online , will have a record of winning a substantial percentage of the cases fighting to beat DUI and DWI charges, including test refusal cases they have taken on. They stand behind a proven record of success based on tireless advocacy for people and a formidable approach to getting out of a driving under the influence offense. Any charges for DUI that include either alcohol, drugs, prescription medicine, Marijuana, or even refusing to take the DUI tests, can all have significant and unexpected consequences beyond criminal fines and potential jail time. Penalties of a first offense conviction can also lead to:

Can you be charged with a 1st offense DUI?

Most people who have been charged with a 1st offense driving under the influence charge usually has no prior experience with the criminal court system , especially in regards to how a DUI case works. Drivers in this predicament will have many questions about what the laws for potential penalties, costs, and defenses are, including:

Is driving under the influence a difficult experience?

Facing driving under the influence charges is a difficult experience for anyone – and it’s an ordeal that can have profound effects on a person’s life and their family for many years to come. Most people who are charged with a first offense are understandably frightened, stressed, and wondering about what will happen next with questions such as:

What happens if you get arrested for driving under the influence of drugs?

If a driver is arrested for driving under the influence of illegal drugs or even a small amount of Marijuana, a person will need legal help to fight the case successfully.

What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test?

If a driver gets convicted of test refusal of a DUI Breathalyzer or blood test, the penalties will be the same and just as severe with costs and consequences as if a person took and failed the tests. Therefore, the mandatory minimum penalties under the current law will also apply to these types of charges.

What happens if you get a DWI?

Without taking action to successfully fight and beat the charges while there is still time before a conviction or guilty plea, a DUI or DWI offense will threaten a person’s employment, ability to drive with an interlock device or when a license is suspended, and damage a personal reputation with the stigma it will carry.

When are checkpoints for DUI?

Police Officers will generally stop every car or, more likely, use another pre-approved method for stopping certain drivers at random. These checkpoints are most often conducted on weekends and holidays, during the evening into the early morning hours typically ending at 2-4am in most places. Also, some type of public notification is generally required to inform the public about one of these scheduled DUI checkpoints. This most often printed in the local newspaper where the checkpoint will be taking place at. While there must be notification of the upcoming checkpoint in a specified area, however the police are not required to provide the exact location of where it will be held.

Should I have an attorney for a DUI?

The bottom line is you don't want to try a DUI case on your own—if you're going to trial, you should have an attorney. Protect Yourself. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case. Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area. Practice Area.

What does a private DUI lawyer do?

Private Lawyers. When you hire a private DUI lawyer, it's typically to represent you in DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period.

Is driving under the influence a crime?

Driving under the influence is considered a crime in every state. So, DUI charges are handled in criminal court. You have a right to represent yourself in criminal court. But most defendants either hire a private lawyer or are represented by a public defender appointed by the court.

Can you represent yourself in criminal court?

You have a right to represent yourself in criminal court. But most defendants either hire a private lawyer or are represented by a public defender appointed by the court. This article goes through some of the factors you might want to consider before deciding what kind of legal representation is best for you.

Is it difficult to assess a DUI case?

It's difficult for someone with no legal experience or training to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a DUI case. DUI law is complicated and constantly changing, and the facts of every case are unique. So, getting the opinion of an experienced DUI lawyer can be valuable.

How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer?

Hiring a private DUI lawyer will generally cost you between $1,000 and $5,000. If your case goes to trial, it can be even more expensive. (And there are cases where spending the money for a private lawyer won't get you a more favorable outcome than had you gone with the public defender.)

Do all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney?

Generally, all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford to hire your own lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. Appointed attorneys are normally from a public defender's office.

An Attorney Offers Support and Guidance

The process itself is probably more stressful than you expected it to be, and the anxiety may tempt you to plead guilty just to get it over with. Even the small things like figuring out how to navigate the courthouse can be a challenge when you are on your own.

An OVI Attorney Can Help Negotiate a Plea Bargain

Depending on the circumstances of your case, a plea bargain may be a good way to wrap your case up relatively quickly while avoiding the harsh penalties of a drunk driving conviction.

An Attorney Can Build a Solid Defense Strategy

From the moment our legal team signs on to handle a case, we begin to formulate a plan to defend your reputation and your future from the allegations you face. We can work to mitigate any damage to your life or career, including fighting for a not guilty verdict or working to reduce the consequences of a conviction.