what can a lawyer do for a dui

by Dr. Kariane Shields IV 7 min read

These services your DUI lawyer provides for a full-service legal defense may include the following:

  • Initial consultation and case evaluation
  • Formulation of plan on how to fight and defend your DUI charge
  • Drafting and filing legal motions
  • General court fees and other filing costs
  • Billable hours spent by your lawyer and staff members completing paperwork

If you hire a California DUI lawyer, he/she can request the hearing for you. It's usually better that way, because your lawyer can often schedule the hearing further out (thus getting more time to prepare) and he/she can sometimes influence what DMV hearing officer gets assigned to the case.

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI case?

How Can A Lawyer Help With a DUI Charge? Many individuals who are arrested for driving under the influence feel that a lawyer is unnecessary. However, a lawyer can help with a defense or lowering or eliminating charges from the offender’s records.

Can a public defender represent you in a DUI case?

Sep 01, 2021 · DUI lawyers are simply lawyers who offer legal counsel to people who are caught drinking while driving. If you are found drinking while driving or driving under the influence of other intoxicants then these lawyers are the people you need.

Can I represent myself in court for a DUI charge?

Most DUI lawyers give prospective clients a free consultation. But even if you have to pay a small fee, it's likely money well spent. Bring your police report and any other case documents you have to the consultation to make the best use of your time. It might also help to bring a list of questions you want to get answered.

How can a DUI attorney help me get my record expunged?

Mar 10, 2022 · Your lawyer can negotiate a lighter charge, such as wet reckless driving if you have no prior history of such drunk driving. Similarly, your lawyer can persuade the court to impose a less severe punishment, like less or no jail time and a fair amount of fine. You can also prefer to hire any suitable DUI lawyer through your Facebook contacts too.

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Getting A Lawyer's Opinion About Your 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 co...

Cases Where Hiring An Attorney Might Not Be Worth It

Prosecutors usually have a standard first-offense plea offer. In other words, they offer everyone with a standard first DUI the same plea deal—whic...

You Need An Attorney to Go to Trial

Though you’re entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it’s almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usua...

What Are DUI Lawyers?

You might want to know what the DUI lawyers can do for you but without understanding who these lawyers are you will not gain much. As such, before delving further into this topic, it is essential to start by establishing first who the DUI lawyers are.

What Can A DUI Lawyer Do For You?

One of the questions which have been asked by many people who know what DUI lawyers are is what can a DUI lawyer do for you. Well, there are many things which these kinds of lawyers can do for you if you need their services. In fact, it is only by knowing what these lawyers do that you will know what kind of services to seek from them.

Conclusion

If you ever find yourself in a position where you are questioning why you need a DUI lawyer then consider the text above. From this text, you are going to find useful information which will inform on who exactly DUI lawyers are and why you need them.

What is a DUI lawyer?

A DUI lawyer represents a person arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI. The court process can be quite lengthy for this type of conviction. Typically, there are several hearings, the first being at the Department of Motor Vehicles with the final hearing ending at the County or State Court.

How do I become a DUI lawyer?

In order to obtain the profession of DUI lawyer, one must have a bachelor’s degree, a law degree (a Juris Doctorate) and have passed the BAR exam in the practicing state. During law school, it is advisable to perform an internship or clerkship with law firms specializing in DUI cases. Continuing education is mandatory.

What is an aggravated DUI?

An aggravated category of the offense may exist in particular jurisdictions when the blood alcohol content exceeds 0.12%. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2010, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. A DUI lawyer represents a person arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI.

Is driving while intoxicated a criminal offense?

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are considered criminal offenses. When a person’s blood alcohol content exceeds the legal level between 0.05% and 0.08%, depending on the jurisdiction, a person can be convicted.

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.

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.)

What is a public defender?

Public defenders handle a large number of criminal cases, including lots of DUIs. So, most public defenders are quite familiar with DUI law and defenses. Public defenders are generally well acquainted with the district attorneys and judges and know their tendencies—knowledge that can be beneficial for plea bargaining.

What is a standard first DUI?

Generally, an offense is considered a "standard first DUI" if the offender has no prior DUI convictions and the offense didn't involve any aggravating factors such as accidents, injuries, or a particularly high blood alcohol concentration ( BAC ).

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.

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.

Can you represent yourself in a DUI trial?

Though you're entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it's almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usually comes only with considerable experience. A lack of legal knowledge and trial skills will put you at a severe disadvantage in court. And judges typically have little patience for self-represented defendants who don't know the rules of court. 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.

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Educational Requirements For A DUI Lawyer

Job Description & Skills Required

  • A DUI lawyer is a criminal defense attorney with a specialization in handling DUI/DWI cases. Often, a majority of a public defender’s case load involves DUI cases. A DUI lawyer is an expert in the specific DUI laws pertaining to the state in which he practices. His primary role is to explain the charges to his client, recommend the best course of action to take, and represent his client in c…
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Salary & Career Outlook

  • As of 2012, the average salary for a DUI/DWI lawyer is $56,000. However, DUI salaries can vary depending on job location, employer, education and experience. With the growing number of DUI/DWI charges and arrests, there is an increasing demand for DUI lawyers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 13% growth in lawyer occupations, including DUI lawyers, by the year 201…
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