why do you need a lawyer for dui

Why Do You Need a DUI Lawyer? DUI charges come with harsh penalties, including jail times, fines, and a license suspension. And most importantly— it leaves you with a criminal record, which could affect you for the rest of your life. Because the stakes are so high, you should immediately consult an experienced DUI lawyer.

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI?

Jan 11, 2021 · Representation by a DUI lawyer gives you the best chance of navigating through the legal process to a result that minimizes the negative impacts on your life to the extent possible. Before you take any steps after your arrest, you should consult with a DUI lawyer about what options and alternatives are available for proceeding.

Can a DUI attorney help you save your license?

The short answer is yes. With a criminal defense attorney representing them, a drunk-driving suspect dramatically increases their chances of avoiding jail, keeping their license, and limiting their exposure to harsh DUI penalties. Having an attorney on your side opens up your legal options. Without an attorney on your side, you severely limit ...

Should I hire a drunk driving attorney?

Because the stakes are so high, you should immediately consult an experienced DUI lawyer. It is imperative that you know your rights and work to protect them as soon as possible. Issues with the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, your right to an attorney, and even the breath, blood, or urine test may be crucial to protecting your freedom.

When is the best time to hire a lawyer for a DUI?

Sep 25, 2019 · Why Do You Need A DUI Lawyer? September 25, 2019 Accidents related cases have increased as never before in Maywood, IL and the most common reason behind this is driving under the influence which is also known as DUI. Driving any vehicle after consuming alcohol is an offense and it can lead you into trouble.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost Alberta?

Although there are there is no set price for a DUI lawyer, due to every case being different, on average, an attorney can charge anywhere from $750 to $1,500.00 for a plea bargain, while a trial might usually is over $2,500.Mar 19, 2020

How long do they hold you for a DUI in California?

Do all California DUI convictions require jail time?DUI OffenseMinimum Jail TimeMaximum Jail Sentence1st DUI48 hours6 months2nd DUI (within 10 years)10 daysUp to 1 year3rd DUI (within 10 years)120 daysUp to 1 year4th (or more) DUI (within 10 years)180 daysUp to 3 years

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in PA?

The consumer services matching provider, Thumbtack, estimates that the national average cost for a DUI lawyer ranges from $1,025 to $2,950, with a median cost of $1,740. Personal finance website, Nerd Wallet, estimates basic legal fees of $1,000 for a simple DUI case.

Is jail time mandatory for 1st DUI in California?

In California, jail time is practically mandatory for people convicted of a DUI. Even if it is your first offense and no one was injured, a judge can sentence you to six months in jail.

How likely is jail time for first DUI California?

For a first DUI offender, you may face 2-days in jail but will receive an additional 48-hours if you refused BAC testing. For every subsequent DUI conviction, the court will impose a mandatory minimum jail time. If you caused an injury or fatality, the penalties are more severe.

Is jail time mandatory for 1st DUI in PA?

The mandatory minimum sentence for first offense DUI are as follows: General Impairment: 1) Probation not to exceed six months; 2) $300 fine; 3) DUI classes; 4) drug and alcohol treatment, if ordered by the Court. There is no mandatory jail time or loss of driver's license for a first offense, general impairment DUI.

How do you beat a DUI in PA?

The best strategy to avoid any license suspension time is to hire a qualified and experienced DUI attorney to successfully fight your charges. Many counties in Pennsylvania have a program for certain first time offenders called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, or ARD.

What is the new DUI law in PA?

Under new 2022 state law, a typical first offense DUI charge in Pennsylvania will carry well over $10,000 in fines after you have paid bail, fines, fees, increased insurance rates and more. But the financial hit won't stop there. Ongoing costs after a PA DUI conviction or guilty plea can even double that over time.

How to choose a DUI lawyer?

When choosing a DUI defense lawyer, you need an attorney who demonstrates: 1 A commitment to educating you about the law to ensure you can make informed decisions about your defense 2 Extensive experience handling DUI cases like yours 3 A long track record of success in misdemeanor and felony DUI cases 4 Compassion for your situation and the circumstances you are dealing with

Why do you need a defense attorney?

Having a seasoned defense attorney on your side will ensure you don’t risk losing your case on technical mistakes. In addition, your attorney will take extra steps to strengthen your defense at trial, such as hiring expert witnesses to support your case.

What to do if you are arrested for DUI in Nevada?

So if you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, don’t run the risk of severe penalties without getting legal advice from a trusted Nevada criminal defense lawyer.

How long does it take to get your license back in Nevada?

Act quickly to request a hearing to get your license back. In Nevada, your license is automatically revoked for 185 days if chemical tests show that your blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 or above. However, you have seven days to request a hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles to argue to get your license back.

Can a DUI case be dismissed?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may believe there is enough doubt to argue for the case to be dismissed. Or your attorney may make the case for the charge to be reduced to reckless driving in order to minimize penalties. Your DUI attorney will also advise you on any plea bargains to ensure you are taking all factors into consideration and making the best decision for you.

Is a DUI a felony?

In some situations, you may be facing a more serious felony DUI charge, rather than a misdemeanor. If your arrest involved aggravating circumstances such as injuries or death in a crash, or if this is not your first DUI offense, you need an attorney who has extensive experience handling these more serious cases.

Should I go to trial without an attorney?

Although most cases can be resolved before they go to trial, you should never risk going before a judge without an attorney. Even if you have a strong case, there are many procedures that must be followed at trial. Having a seasoned defense attorney on your side will ensure you don’t risk losing your case on technical mistakes. In addition, your attorney will take extra steps to strengthen your defense at trial, such as hiring expert witnesses to support your case.

Who is the attorney for a drugged driving charge in Las Vegas?

If you face a drugged driving or drunk driving charge in Las Vegas, including a first DUI offense, attorney Joseph Gersten is here to help. His investigative background, trial experience, and criminal defense focus significantly benefit anyone facing a DUI or DUID charge.

How long does it take to get a driver's license suspended in Nevada?

In addition to the criminal penalties, a misdemeanor drunk or drugged driving charge results in a 185-day (six month) suspension of your driver’s license by the DMV (Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles). The administrative process relating to license revocation is separate from the criminal proceeding that follows your arrest.

What is a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles?

DUI lawyers in Los Angeles will handle your defense in and out of the courtroom. As we mentioned, a lawyer can focus on disputing evidence against you. A lawyer would then move to have your charges dismissed.

What to do after a DUI arrest?

After a DUI arrest, it’s important to start working on your defense. A lawyer can take charge of this step right away. Our team is ready to review the facts of your case. We’ll also monitor police officers as they investigate your case. Allow us to make sure they don’t violate your rights.

How long does it take to get your license suspended after a DUI?

You face criminal charges after a DUI charge. The DMV will also step in after a DUI arrest. The DMV has the right to suspend your license 30 days after your arrest. You may, however, request a hearing to dispute this suspension.

What can an attorney do for you?

An attorney can help you complete some requirements prior to your court appearance.

What does BAC mean in DUI?

Blood-Alcohol Level Determines Guilt. What the per se laws say is, in every state in the U.S., if your blood-alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit, you can be found guilty of DUI.

Why is my driver's license suspended?

The reason for this is because your driving privileges are granted by a state, which means that the state, therefore, can take your privileges away.

Who is Buddy T?

Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Andrea Rice is an award-winning journalist and a freelance writer, editor, and fact checker specializing in health and wellness.

What are the factors that could lead to an enhanced sentence?

If there are other factors that could lead to receiving an enhanced sentence, such as a repeat offense, property damages, injuries, or endangerment of a child, you may have "aggravating circumstances." 4 

Who is Andrea Rice?

Andrea Rice is an award-winning journalist and a freelance writer, editor, and fact checker specializing in health and wellness. Learn about our editorial process. Andrea Rice. on September 17, 2020. Vstock LLC/Getty Images.

Can a DUI affect your future?

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. The key is the word "may.".

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.

What is a wet reckless DUI?

In some states prosecutors can reduce the charges to something called a wet reckless. This is a reckless driving charge where alcohol played a factor.

How to get a public defender?

If your income is too high to qualify for a public defender, you’ll need to hire a private attorney if you want representation. For the best chance of success, keep a few things in mind: 1 An attorney who handles DUI cases regularly is more likely to get you a good outcome than a generalist. 2 Make sure you find out up front how much your case is likely to cost, including factors that might increase the cost. 3 If possible, talk to at least 2 or 3 lawyers to find one you are comfortable with.

What is a plea bargain?

With a plea bargain, you agree to plead guilty in exchange for lesser charges from the prosecution.

Can a DUI lead to jail time?

Causing injuries. These and other factors are serious and can lead to a year or more in prison, among other penalties. An experienced DUI attorney may have a better chance of reducing your plea or sentence than you would on your own.

Do I need an attorney for a DUI?

Some attorneys do charge for the initial consultation but will apply the fee to the cost of your case if you hire them. In many cases you won’t need an attorney for a first offense DUI. But if your case isn’t straightforward, an attorney may be able to get a better outcome for your case than you could alone.

Is a first time DUI a felony?

If your case is more than just a misdemeanor DUI, having an attorney becomes more important. Some situations can turn even a first-time DUI into a felony: These and other factors are serious and can lead to a year or more in prison, among other penalties.