when is a dui lawyer hired

Consider hiring a DUI lawyer when: This is NOT your first DWI arrest. Someone is injured or killed as a result of your DUI. You believe that you're not guilty. You think you can reduce your charges from DWI to reckless driving. You're a commercial driver (e.g. truck driver, delivery person, bus driver, etc.).

Full Answer

When should I hire a DUI lawyer?

Consider hiring a DUI lawyer when: 1 This is NOT your first DWI arrest. 2 Someone is injured or killed as a result of your DUI. 3 You believe that you're not guilty. 4 You think you can reduce your charges from DWI to reckless driving. 5 You're a commercial driver (e.g. truck driver, delivery person, bus driver, etc.).

How much does it cost to hire a private DUI lawyer?

Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period. Most defendants see the price as the major drawback with private lawyers. Hiring a private DUI lawyer will generally cost you between $1,000 and $5,000.

What kind of attorney do I need for a DUI case?

Appointed attorneys are normally from a public defender's office. 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.

Can a public defender help with a DUI case?

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.

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.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Washington?

Typically the largest cost for a Seattle DUI charge is hiring a lawyer. In the greater Seattle area, there are many attorneys who practice DUI defense and there is a wide range of fees. I typically tell people the range is anywhere from roughly $2500-$3000 on the low end all the way up to $10000 plus on the high end.

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 do I beat a DUI in Tennessee?

There are two ways to generally beat the rap on a D.U.I. Taking the case to a trial and winning a not guilty verdict (or having the case dismissed on a legal ruling such as the officer conducting an illegal traffic stop).

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

A first time DUI in WA State is normally charged as a gross misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. In all cases where a conviction is entered, there are mandatory minimum sentences, which a judge is required to impose and cannot reduce.

How much is a DUI ticket?

Average Costs of a DUI or DWI Arrest and ConvictionExpenseCostCourt Fines$150-$1,800Alcohol Treatment/Education$1,000-$2,500Licensing Fees$150Jail Fee$10-$5013 more rows

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 long does a DUI case take in Georgia?

There really is no typical time for a DUI. Every case is different. If it is one that doesn't require motions to suppress or other complicated litigation, you should be able to have your DUI resolved anywhere from three to six months.

Can a DUI be dismissed in TN?

DUI convictions, for instance, can never be expunged, no matter how long ago they were committed. Fortunately, it is often possible to have a DUI charge dismissed if a person was never officially convicted of the offense.

What is the minimum sentence for a first time DUI in Tennessee?

48 hoursPenalties and Sentences Tennessee has mandatory jail time for first time DUI offenders. At a minimum, offenders will get 48 hours in jail, unless your BAC was . 20 or higher, then the minimum is 7 days. However, a first time DUI can give you up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $350-$1,500 fine.

What happens with first DUI in TN?

DUI Penalties in Tennessee 1st Offense – Up to 11 months 29 days in jail, $350-$1000 in fines, DUI School and/or Victim Impact Panel, and possible Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Mandatory 7 days in jail if BAC is over . 20%. 1-year license revocation.

Is it Your First DUI Offense?

Many people do not realize that courts still give substantial leniency on first offense DUI charges. Although some states have become more strict in their leniency standards, there are still some courts that will give first time offenders the benefit of the doubt.

Have You Had Multiple DUI's?

Multiple DUIs are something to be concerned with. More and more states are becoming highly restrictive on their leniency toward DUIs as cases in which a vehicle accident and the loss of life have become a major issue.

Do You Have Multiple DUI Charges?

Often, a DUI charge is compounded with other charges such as reckless endangerment, property damage, or any number of other additional charges. When multiple charges come into play you have the potential to have your sentencing run consecutive in which every charge will carry its own length of sentence.

How To Hire a DUI Lawyer

The average person charged with a DUI may not have adequate experience in hiring a lawyer for this type of case. DUI cases can be remarkably tricky to effectively manage as there are many factors that go into a case. When hiring a DUI lawyer, your first instinct might be to simply look at pricing, but that should never be your motivation.

RETAINING A LAWYER EARLY MAKES ANY PAYMENT PLAN EASIER

When you hire a lawyer, amongst the items to be discussed is how much will be charged. Most clients (no matter what their jobs are) prefer a payment plan. It is much easier paying off a retainer over the course of 10 months than over 4 months. At Aitken Robertson we offer payment plans with no interest charged.

THE LAWYER CAN ATTEND COURT FOR YOU

If you don’t have a lawyer you may need to attend Court for the routine adjournments and other matters that require attendance. Whether the lawyer is able to do that in person or remotely, it saves the client the time and worry about trying to sort it out themselves.

Why do DUI cases move so quickly?

Many DUI cases move quickly in the court system due to the streamlined nature of processing these crimes. Failing to immediately hire an attorney can compromise the quality of your defense.

Can you get your license suspended for DUI?

Driver’s license suspension can be one of the most serious ramifications of a DUI charge. While most states don’t resort to this for a first offense, some do. Other states may take away a license on a first offense only if the circumstances surrounding an arrest are especially serious, such as a BAC over double the legal limit. A suspended driver’s license can be a significant detriment to a person’s way of life, especially in areas with limited public transportation.

Do lawyers help with prosecution?

Your lawyer handles the challenging aspects of your case, including negotiating with the prosecution, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have any involvement in the process. There are many things you can do to aid in your own defense, and the more compliant and helpful you are, the more likely it is that you’ll see a satisfying end result.

Is a DUI case made equal?

Not all DUI cases are made equal. In many states, the circumstances of a DUI, such as blood alcohol levels, vehicle speed, or accidents related to intoxication, can play a significant role in sentencing. If you live in a state with different laws based on the specific elements related to a case, general attorney success rates may not paint a clear enough picture.

What does it mean to hire a DUI attorney?

When you hire a DUI attorney, you are trusting them to defend your most basic rights and freedom. Your future depends on how hard they work on your case and you may have to work with them closely for weeks or months to come — you want to be able to communicate and feel comfortable with whomever you hire.

What to expect after explaining your case to an attorney?

If the attorney has prepared for cases like yours in the past, they will know the laws, how the courts work, and what is to be expected.

They Are A Certified Criminal Law Specialist

If the lawyer you are contacting is not a certified criminal law specialist, it may indicate that they do not have previous experience with DUI cases. Certified criminal attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving driving under the influence.

Offers You Comfort And Confidence

Once you have hired a DUI lawyer, they should provide you with comfort and confidence. This will help you stay calm and presentable during the proceedings. If your attorney seems unprofessional, then this can impact your case negatively. They should also appear professional and knowledgeable about the guidelines of driving under the influence.

They Are Communicative

If your lawyer is good, they should tell you in a timely manner if there are any changes in your case. If your lawyer fails to contact you about changes, then you should consider switching lawyers. If your attorney doesn’t keep you posted, then they may not be very trustworthy.

They Never Miss A Deadline

A lawyer who misses deadlines is not very good at what they do. If your lawyer misses a deadline for filing your case, then you will need to reschedule. If the attorney does not take responsibility for missing the deadline, then they may not be confident in representing you in court.

They Can Explain Things Easily

A good California DUI lawyer will be able to explain things clearly and in simple terms. This will help you evaluate your options and understand the legal proceedings that are taking place. If your attorney isn’t too technical, they may not explain the intricacies of the case.

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.)

How can a DUI attorney help a prosecutor?

Experienced DUI attorneys can often whittle down the standard offer by pointing out weaknesses in the prosecution's case or bringing mitigating factors to the prosecutor's attention. An attorney's familiarity with local practices, the district attorney, and the judge can also help with these types of negotiations.

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 a DUI lawyer cost?

Most defendants see the price as the major drawback with private lawyers. 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 DUI lawyers give free consultations?

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.