what can a lawyer do for me in a dui case

A DUI lawyer represents you during a DUI related case and offers all the necessary legal support. Such lawyers push for case dismissal or a reduced charge on your behalf. Further, the DUI attorneys follow up your case in an appeal if they dispute the interim ruling.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI case?

Even if you handled your first DUI by simply pleading guilty, you will most likely need the assistance of a DUI attorney for subsequent DUI charges. You can expect your insurance premium to rise dramatically after a DUI conviction.

What should I consider before handling my own DUI case?

Here are five things to consider before handling your own DUI. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more doesn’t guarantee a conviction. Before you plead guilty, you should learn about the DUI penalties and fines in your state in order to make an informed decision.

What happens if you go to trial for a DUI?

If you go to trial, you can’t be convicted unless the prosecution proves the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. This article outlines the basic elements of a DUI (called driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating under the influence (OUI) and a number of different terms in some states).

Can I represent myself in a DUI/DWI case?

Yes, it is possible to represent yourself in your DUI/DWI case. You can post bail, plead guilty or make a plea deal and, if you're lucky, you might achieve the same results as an attorney. However, that's a best-case scenario.

What is the best case scenario for a DUI?

If you have been pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence, the best-case scenario you could hope for is that the officer(s) failed to gather enough evidence against you or made procedural, technical, or constitutional mistakes before, during or following your arrest.

Should you always hire a lawyer?

If you are charged with a crime, including domestic violence, tax fraud, or even some motor vehicle offenses (such as driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, or so many unpaid parking tickets that an arrest warrant has been issued), hire an attorney.

How do you beat a DUI in Georgia?

If you want to beat a DUI, you need to remain SILENT.(2) Every Field Sobriety Test Is Voluntary and Optional – Just Say NO. ... (3) In a Georgia DUI, do not blow into the Portable Breathalyzer at the roadway! ... (4) Do not Resist Arrest for a DUI in Georgia. ... (5) You Have No Privacy in a Police Car in the Peach State.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in PA?

With a range of between $300 and $10,000, you can see how just how a great DUI attorney can save you money. A bad one will not argue for a low fine and just accept whatever the court says.

How do you impress a judge in court?

Be clean.Be clean. It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you are going to court. ... Stand when the judge enters the room. ... Address the judge as 'Your Honor. ... Be audible. ... Use proper language and speak in complete sentences. ... Prepare before every hearing. ... Be polite and respectful. ... Be punctual.More items...

How do lawyers decide to take a case?

In general, there are three major criteria attorneys use to decide whether to take a case to litigation: the client; the merits of the claims; and. damages.

Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI Georgia?

Based on national statistics, an average of over 2,300 people a day get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in America, and many ask themselves the question, “Do I need a lawyer for DUI in GA?” The answer is “almost always” that hiring a DUI attorney is the advisable path.

How often do DUI cases get dismissed in Georgia?

Roughly 72 percent of these fully contested DUI cases have been resolved successfully without a trial (either dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge). Approximately two-thirds of the DUI cases that did require a trial resulted in an acquittal.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Georgia?

Legal fee: Cost $2,000- $25,000. Some lawyers charge as little as $1500 for a quick plea but with so much at stake, many people accused of DUI fight the charge. That's when legal fees start to add up. Fines: Cost $300 - $5000.

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

There is no mandatory jail time or loss of driver's license for a first offense, general impairment DUI.

What is the penalty for first DUI in PA?

A first DUI conviction in PA could mean up to six months in jail, a $5,000 fine and loss of your license for up to a year. The penalties for a DUI in PA, depending on your blood alcohol content level (BAC), are severe.

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

12 monthIf you were charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, you face a 12 month automatic driver's license suspension from PennDOT, even for a first offense DUI charge with a blood alcohol content level over .

What happens if you get arrested for DUI?

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you might feel all alone. Your friends could be angry at you, your family might not want to talk to you, and it may feel as though you are friendless.

Have You Been Arrested?

We are confident, committed, and trusted. We know you’re not a bad person — just a person who has made a mistake and who needs help correcting that mistake.

Why do you need a DUI attorney?

Simply put, your attorney is the only person standing between you and harsh punishment for a crime that you may not have even committed. If you only had a drink or two, you may be under the false impression that the court will have leniency in your case. This is not so. The court will aggressively pursue the harshest punishment possible.

What should I do if I get arrested?

Hiring an attorney is the very first thing that you should do once you have been arrested. However, not just any attorney will do. You must ensure that you hire an expert DUI attorney, who has the experience and the knowledge required to mitigate the outcome of your case.

What to do when you are going to trial?

While going to trial might make you nervous, remember that you are innocent unless you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your lawyer’s job is to defend you, and usually, this means you should not get on the stand and risk the prosecution cross-examining you. A jury cannot hold it against you if you don’t testify. Your lawyer might try to show that the defense has a weak case. The attorney does not need to make it seem like the police officer has lied but can attempt to cast doubt on the testimony of law enforcement personnel. Your attorney can also call an expert witness for the defense who can help with your case.

What happens if you plead guilty to a crime?

These include fines and court fees, increased insurance rates, probation, time in custody, an inability to rent a vehicle, loss of your job and driver’s license suspension or revocation. If you don’t know about all of these penalties, you can’t make a fully informed decision on pleading guilty in your case.

What to do when a DUI leads to an accident?

When a DUI offense leads to an accident, it may be vital to obtain assistance from a personal injury law firm. Understanding what options are available is important. Other important things to know may be explained by a personal injury lawyer.

Why is it important to get a lawyer?

If charges for a DUI or DWI are a likely outcome, it is imperative to start a legal defense immediately . Obtaining a lawyer is a needed action to learn about rights, to discover what options are available and to know what to do next.

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI?

When a DUI offense occurs, many accused individuals may not feel the need for a lawyer, but these legal representatives may save time and money. It is best to at least speak to a lawyer to know what options are available.

Do you have to take field sobriety test for DUI?

Driving under the influence arrests and charges are confusing and lengthy and may end in a license suspension or prison time with potential additional fines. In some states, the laws do not require a suspect to take the field sobriety tests officers often ask in making a DUI arrest.

Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Although some individuals may opt not to hire an attorney to handle their DUI case, there are several situations in which a defendant can benefit from having a private attorney. Here are some issues to consider when making this important decision.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Working with a lawyer is slightly different than working with other types of professionals, since lawyers often require their clients to provide information and documentation for their case, come to trial and testify, and be as helpful as possible when pleading a case . Many clients feel like they are doing a lot of the work that they thought their lawyers should do, but in fact this work is necessary to the clients' cases. Read the articles below to find out what you can do while working with a DUI attorney to make your case go quickly, smoothly, and successfully.

Can you afford a DUI attorney?

Everyone in a criminal procedure is entitled to an attorney, and DUI trials are no exception. Here is some information about a criminal defendant's right to counsel, even if he or she cannot afford a private DUI attorney.

What is sentence bargaining for DUI?

In addition to plea bargaining, most states have "sentence bargaining.". Sentence bargaining for a DUI is extremely useful where a guilty plea might result in a long period of incarceration. For example, you might be willing to plead guilty to a second DUI but only if you know what your sentence will be. The same is true with an aggravated DUI case ...

What is the BAC of a DUI?

A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more doesn’t guarantee a conviction. Before you plead guilty, you should learn about the DUI penalties and fines in your state in order to make an informed decision.

Do you need a DUI attorney for a second DUI?

Even if you handled your first DUI by simply pleading guilty, you will most likely need the assistance of a DUI attorney for subsequent DUI charges. That’s because second, third, and fourth DUI offenses almost always involve jail time, as well as far more serious bail bonds and penalties. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney has many benefits—lawyers have familiarity with the court system and the prosecutors, knowledge of what plea bargains and sentence bargains are available, and the ability to navigate complex administration procedures. These benefits are especially important if you are a repeat DUI offender. Read our article on case outcomes and costs for drivers arrested for DUI repeat-offenses.

Can a DUI attorney use a low BAC?

In that case, a DUI attorney may be able to use your low BAC to achieve a better plea bargain your case. And if you have a high BAC, there's generally more at stake, so the assistance of an attorney may be even more critical.

Does an attorney's fee pay for itself?

And consider this: If your attorney bargains down your sentence so that you have lower fines and no requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID), your attorney's fee could pay for itself. Generally, defendants seem to get better outcomes when assisted by an attorney.

Can I represent myself in a DUI case?

Yes, it is possible to represent yourself in your DUI/DWI case. You can post bail, plead guilty or make a plea deal and, if you're lucky, you might achieve the same results as an attorney. However, that's a best-case scenario. Here are five things to consider before handling your own DUI.

Can you lose your insurance if you have a DUI?

You can expect your insurance premium to rise dramatically after a DUI conviction. It may not only quadruple, but you could also lose your coverage entirely. And proof of auto insurance is mandatory in most states, which means that without coverage, you could have trouble getting to work every day. Additionally, many employers require workers to carry their own insurance coverage, which may mean losing your job completely if it involves driving. An attorney might be able to reduce charges or negotiate a plea deal that doesn’t result in your losing insurance or having your insurance rates skyrocket.

What is the value of experience when picking a DUI lawyer?

There's no denying the value of experience when it comes to picking DUI lawyers. An experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the legal system, how to work out favorable deals, and will know a number of prosecutors and judges who may be working your case.

Does a lawyer know their way around a DUI case?

Just because a lawyer has been working for a long time doesn't mean that they know their way around a DUI case. The legal field is a complex one and each discipline it encompasses requires a unique set of skills you'll want your attorney to have practice with.

Do attorneys have to be accredited?

Attorney's must be accredited by their state's bar in order to practice . When your attorney commits act's that are considered out of line with legal standards, they may end up getting disciplined (suspended from practicing, for example) or disbarred by the state altogether.

What do you need to prove a DUI?

The elements of a DUI charge vary by state, but prosecutors typically need to prove the defendant was: under the influence or intoxicated. In some states, the prosecution must additionally prove that the defendant was on a public roadway (as opposed to private property) while driving or operating a vehicle under the influence.

What is a DUI called?

This article outlines the basic elements of a DUI (called driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating under the influence (OUI) and a number of different terms in some states).

What are the elements of a DUI?

All crimes are broken up into elements—the parts of the crime that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury or judge can find you guilty at trial. The elements of a DUI charge vary by state, but prosecutors typically need to prove the defendant was: 1 driving or operating a vehicle, and 2 under the influence or intoxicated.

How many options does the prosecution have for proving that you were under the influence?

The prosecution has two options for proving that you were under the influence:

What is a per se DUI?

by showing your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or above the legal limit (.08% in almost all states, though underage drivers may be subject to lower limits ), often called a “ per se” DUI, and/or. by proving that you were actually impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two.

Can you get a DUI if you are intoxicated?

But there are also many states where the DUI laws don’t require proof that you were driving on a road that was accessible to the public—driving while intoxicated anywhere in the state is enough for a DUI conviction.

Can you get a DUI for driving on your own property?

So, in these states, you generally can’t be convicted of a DUI for driving on your own private property, even if you do so while extremely intoxicated.