when to contact a lawyer after a dui

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.).

Do I need a lawyer for a felony DUI?

In this case, you will probably need to hire a DUI attorney to represent you. If you have been charged with a felony DUI, it is strongly recommended that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer. If you and/or your attorney decided it was best to plead not guilty at your arraignment, then you will need to attend a preliminary hearing.

What happens after a DUI case goes to trial?

The jury will either come to a unanimous verdict on your DUI charges or if their decision is split, a retrial or mistrial. If a mistrial is declared, the charges against you will be dismissed. If you plead guilty or are found to be guilty by a jury, a judge will decide your sentence of punishment.

How do I find out if I have a DUI?

This process includes: Name. Date of birth. Physical characteristics. Gathering details about the DUI charges that are being filed against you. Looking into your criminal record at past offenses you may have committed. Taking your fingerprints and photo, which are to be permanently logged into a central database.

Should you always call a lawyer?

It is always best to consult with a lawyer before filing a lawsuit to make sure that the case is one you can bring with some chance of success. Most local bar associations have lawyer referral and information services that can provide you with a limited consultation with a lawyer for a small fee.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

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 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.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

What's the best color to wear to court?

The best color to wear to court is probably navy blue or dark gray. These colors suggest seriousness. At the same time, they do not come with the negative connotations that are often associated with the color black (for instance, some people associate black with evil, coldness, and darkness).

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 .

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 time 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.

Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI Georgia?

If you are asking, “Do I need a lawyer for DUI in GA?” the answer is yes if you want to keep your license and lessen the amount of painful penalties for the rest of your life. If you were an expert in the law, or a blood test or a breathalyzer, you could make your own decisions.

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.

After the Arrest

DUIs are considered arrestable offenses in Georgia, so if the police believe you are guilty, you will most likely be handcuffed and taken in a police squad car. From there, you will be processed according to the county or jurisdictional protocol.

Police Questioning During a Traffic Stop or After an Arrest

It is a near certainty that police will ask you several questions during your traffic stop or after arresting you for DUI. It is important to remember that you are not required by law to answer any of these questions, and that you are within your rights to request that a lawyer be present during questioning of any kind.

Call The Epps Law Group Today

Our Cumming DUI attorney is committed to helping build effective strategies for our clients. We understand the stress that these types of charges can cause and we are prepared to do everything in our power to bring it to a swift and favorable conclusion.

Should I hire a lawyer for a DUI?

It can be difficult deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer if you've been charged with a DUI. On one hand, an attorney can help defend you against less-than-solid charges or where the stakes are especially high. On the other hand, you don't want to spend all of that money for something you think you can do yourself with a little elbow grease and determination. But, considering the consequences of a DUI conviction, it's usually a good idea to at least consult with an local DUI attorney. After all, the attorney will be much more knowledgeable about your local DUI laws and how best to defend against the charges.

Can you get your license suspended for a wet reckless driving?

Also, your driver's license will not be suspended after a wet reckless unless your BAC is higher than .08 percent. But keep in mind that a wet reckless conviction may still be considered a "prior DUI offense" if you are charged with a second such offense.

Can an attorney negotiate a DUI charge?

And if it's a DUI charge involving drugs other than alcohol, an attorney may be able to negotiate away random drug testing or other conditions of probation. But, as with plea bargaining, "sentence bargaining" goes much smoother when handled by an attorney.

Should I consult a DUI attorney?

But, considering the consequences of a DUI conviction, it's usually a good idea to at least consult with an local DUI attorney. After all, the attorney will be much more knowledgeable about your local DUI laws and how best to defend against the charges.

Is DUI a criminal offense?

Driving under the influence ( DUI ) is a very serious criminal charge in most states, despite how common it may seem, since impaired driving puts the lives of so many people at risk.

Can you go to jail for a DUI?

Courts in most states are willing to bargain down a DUI sentence in exchange for a guilty plea in certain instances. For example, you may be facing charges for a second or third DUI, which can land you in prison for a few months or years. Instead of taking it to trial, the prosecution may be willing to reduce the sentence in exchange ...

What happens if you plead not guilty to a DUI?

If you plead guilty, the judge will decide your punishment and you will not have to return afterwards. However, if you decide to plead not guilty, then you will need to return to court for a preliminary hearing and trial. In this case, you will probably need to hire a DUI attorney to represent you.

What are the causes of DUI?

Probable cause situations that might lead to a DUI include: Empty beer bottles on the floor of your car. A strong smell of alcohol (or other illegal substances) coming from your vehicle. Slurred speech and questionable movements.

What are the stages of a DUI trial?

The different stages of a DUI trial consist of: Choosing a jury. The court will interview a number of people, then allow the defense (your lawyer) and prosecution to exclude certain jurors who they believe to be unfit for the case. Opening statements from your attorney and the state prosecutor.

What happens if you can't afford bail?

if you'd try to flee). If you can't afford to pay the set bail amount, you or your loved ones have the option of going through a bail bond agency.

What is the legal age to drive if you have a BAC of 08%?

In every state, anyone over the age of 21 years old with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more, will be charged with a DUI. If you're under 21 years old, any amount of alcohol found in your system will result in a DWI charge. It doesn't matter if you feel sober enough to drive, or if you only had to travel a mile to get home.

What are some examples of DUI arrests?

For example, a police officer might initially pull you over for running a stop sign, driving with a broken tail light, or having expired registration.

What is the opening statement of a prosecutor?

Opening statements from your attorney and the state prosecutor. Prosecution has a “burden of proof" against you, and will briefly outline the evidence and testimonies they have to help their case. Your attorney will present an alternate interpretation of the incident and present laws that defend your stance.