DUI is a serious offense that could affect your future and employment. Most attorneys will tell you that you "need" to hire an attorney who focuses on defending drunk drivers. Attorneys promise they "may" be able to save your driver's license or get your drunk driving charge reduced or dismissed.
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When facing a DUI case where the person behind the wheel was under suspicion of drinking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the individual should hire a lawyer to help with avoiding a license suspension or administrative action that could suspend or revoke the person’s license. Legal representation may support the client to use ...
May 11, 2022 · Below are the major reasons why you should hire a lawyer if you are facing a potential DUI charge. Help with Penalties/Convictions. One of the biggest and most obvious reasons to hire a lawyer to help with your DUI case is that they can help get your penalties lessened for your DUI charge. A DUI attorney will do their best to keep the charges ...
There are times when the person arrested for and charged with a DUI could use the services of a lawyer to handle these charges immediately. Legal support could assist the individual through questions that officers pose when at the local department. Then, the lawyer may help collect or explain what needs collecting for evidence in the case.
Oct 25, 2018 · Finding a DUI Defense Lawyer. If you or a loved one are arrested for DUI, you may need the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer with experience handling DUI cases. Unlike civil law cases in which money or property may be at stake, people charged with DUI may face jail time and driver's license revocation if arrested or convicted. A skilled attorney who is familiar with …
DUI Offense | Minimum Jail Time | Maximum Jail Sentence |
---|---|---|
1st DUI | 48 hours | 6 months |
2nd DUI (within 10 years) | 10 days | Up to 1 year |
3rd DUI (within 10 years) | 120 days | Up to 1 year |
4th (or more) DUI (within 10 years) | 180 days | Up to 3 years |
When the defending party is unable to handle a DUI case without legal support, he or she will hire a lawyer in the state where this person received the charges. Then, it is a matter of implementing a defensive strategy and progressing through the case for an outcome that is agreeable or possible with the judge or jury.
There are several ways a DUI charge could include aggravating factors or increase penalties that the person may face during conviction. The injury of others could increase the usual misdemeanor to felony, and this may also increase in severity depending on the level of harm the victim sustains. Property damage, death and severe destruction could increase the likelihood of additional charges or a misdemeanor becoming a felony in any state. More charges that could include reckless driving, endangering a minor or manslaughter require the help of a criminal defense lawyer.
There are several ways a DUI charge could include aggravating factors or increase penalties that the person may face during conviction. The injury of others could increase the usual misdemeanor to felony, and this may also increase in severity depending on the level of harm the victim sustains. Property damage, death and severe destruction could increase the likelihood of additional charges or a misdemeanor becoming a felony in any state. More charges that could include reckless driving, endangering a minor or manslaughter require the help of a criminal defense lawyer.
The most important task of a criminal defense lawyer when helping a client is defending against the charges of prosecution. This is possible in a number of ways such as plea bargains for lesser penalties or charges, using evidence and witness statements to refute other evidence and by using the trial to support a not guilty verdict. The lawyer will communicate all necessary and relevant details to the judge or jury panel and contact the opposing lawyer to discuss anything important in progressing through the case. The entire situation usually begins through a free consultation to review the charges.
If you or a loved one are arrested for DUI, you may need the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer with experience handling DUI cases. Unlike civil law cases in which money or property may be at stake, people charged with DUI may face jail time and driver's license revocation if arrested or convicted. A skilled attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of DUI cases will evaluate all the evidence to ensure that your rights are protected, including careful scrutiny of the procedure and results of any field sobriety and chemical tests administered in your case.
A private attorney can be a very good investment. Private counsel will spend more time going over the details of your case and educating you regarding your position and options. Contact a qualified DUI attorney today to discuss your case and defense options.
You and your defense attorney are a team and good communication in both directions is necessary for the best attorney/client relationships. Public defense or legal aid may be available for those who cannot afford a private attorney, but when you hire an attorney yourself the greatest benefit is your ability to choose.
An attorney that practices regularly in your jurisdiction also has advantages compared to an out-of-towner. Their knowledge of the judges and prosecutors and their attitudes about different kinds of DUI cases can be very helpful in planning a successful defense. Personal style is another important consideration.
Unlike civil law cases in which money or property may be at stake, people charged with DUI may face jail time and driver's license revocation if arrested or convicted. A skilled attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of DUI cases will evaluate all the evidence to ensure that your rights are protected, including careful scrutiny ...
At most steps in the criminal justice process, the United States Constitution guarantees the assistance of an attorney to almost all people who have been charged with a crime. This means that, even if you cannot afford to hire a criminal defense lawyer for yourself or a loved one, the government will provide you with a lawyer free of charge. Usually employed by the government as "public defenders", these attorneys are responsible for zealously protecting a criminal defendant's rights at all stages of the criminal process -- from arrest to appeal.
Usually employed by the government as "public defenders", these attorneys are responsible for zealously protecting a criminal defendant's rights at all stages of the criminal process -- from arrest to appeal. Thank you for subscribing!
While it might seem like all hope is lost, the reality is that there are several ways a DUI defense lawyer can help you regardless of the facts of your case. Due to the substantial consequences you could face if you get convicted, you owe it to yourself to speak with a lawyer even if you believe you are guilty.
When the police conduct a DUI traffic stop in Arizona, they must observe various statutory and constitutional requirements. If the officer who arrested you violated the law, then the state’s evidence against you may be legally inadmissible. This could be the case, for example, if you were stopped without reasonable suspicion (i.e., you were racially profiled) or if the arresting officer failed to follow the requisite procedures for performing the field sobriety tests (FSTs) or administering the breathalyzer.
The Arizona Statutes establish various DUI offenses, and each is comprised of its own unique set of “elements.” If even one element is lacking, then you are not guilty of the crime alleged. Furthermore, various factual issues can call your guilt into question. For example, even if you blew above the legal limit, it could be the case that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rose after you got pulled over and you were not over the limit when you were driving.
Finally, if it is not possible to avoid a conviction given the circumstances of your case, your attorney will still be able to help you by arguing for a reduced sentence. This may involve negotiating a plea bargain, or it may involve working to convince the judge that leniency is warranted.
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.
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 usually comes only with considerable experience. A lack of legal knowledge and trial skills will put you at a severe disadvantage in court.
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.
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.
Accepting a standard offer might also be unadvisable in cases where the defendant has viable defenses. However, an unrepresented defendant is unlikely to know whether there are any such defenses. So, prior to accepting a plea deal, it's a good idea to at least get a lawyer's opinion.
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.
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.
A DUI is a misdemeanor offen se but can turn into a felony. There are different reasons for a DUI turning into a felony. If someone receives serious injuries as a result of a DUI accident, then it is a third-degree felony. For vehicular manslaughter is involved, it is a second-degree felony. It will be a first-degree if the crash was avoidable ...
The jail sentence increases to up to nine months with a possible probation period. The offender might also have to complete a substance abuse courses. For a misdemeanor DUI offense, your license can also be suspended. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, then your license can be suspended for up to one year.
How can a lawyer help me? 1 Help obtain a hardship license: A lawyer increases your chance of obtaining a hardship license. (Scroll down to learn more about hardship licenses). 2 Save your license: They can negotiate to not get your license suspended or revoked. 3 Negotiate: A negotiation can happen that can lead to no jail time or a lesser prison sentence.
A public defender is an attorney that is appointed by the courts and will be of no cost to the defendant. Public defenders are typically overworked, having to take on multiple cases at once. Due to this, it is hard to get in touch with them. In most cases, you wouldn’t be able to talk to your defender until the hearing. When you hire a private attorney, they are there to serve you. They will take time to investigate your case and negotiate a favorable outcome. If they aren’t available, then their partners or paralegal will be able to assist you. Private attorneys also have a smaller case load compared to public defenders.
Due to this, it is hard to get in touch with them. In most cases, you wouldn’t be able to talk to your defender until the hearing. When you hire a private attorney, they are there to serve you.
In most cases, you wouldn’t be able to talk to your defender until the hearing. When you hire a private attorney, they are there to serve you. They will take time to investigate your case and negotiate a favorable outcome. If they aren’t available, then their partners or paralegal will be able to assist you.
When you hire a private attorney, they are there to serve you. They will take time to investigate your case and negotiate a favorable outcome. If they aren’t available, then their partners or paralegal will be able to assist you. Private attorneys also have a smaller case load compared to public defenders.