Some of the benefits of hiring a DUI lawyer are obvious; they understand the law and can help you navigate through the process of handling a DUI charge. However, the overall value of having a DUI lawyer work on your behalf is immeasurable. This is because the potential consequences of driving under the influence are significant. There’s a chance that you will lose your license, have to pay a large fine, spend time in jail, and have a permanent criminal record. 

While some people initially think they can handle a DUI case on their own, they quickly realize that there’s more to the process than originally understood. A DUI lawyer with years of experience knows the applicable laws and they are also familiar with local prosecutors and defenses associated with DUI cases. This means the lawyer is better able to present your case in a manner that will result in the best possible outcome. This could potentially include the reduction of penalties and sentencing. There’s even a chance that the charge will be entirely dismissed. 

The consequences for driving under the influence vary from one state to another. In fact, some states have imposed penalties that are stiffer than other states, which is why it’s important to know the DUI laws in your area. There are some states in which a conviction for driving under the influence can have lifelong implications, starting with the loss of your driver’s license for a long time. 

What You Can Expect from a DUI Lawyer

A good DUI lawyer will have up-to-date knowledge of DUI laws, including the latest technologies used. When a driver is suspected of a DUI, there’s a good chance that they will receive a breath test, blood draw or field sobriety test. Sometimes these processes are not conducted within the confines of the law. A lawyer that’s familiar with DUI laws will have the wherewithal to ask the right questions and make the right decisions as it pertains to how the law will interpret your situation. 

A DUI lawyer will likely ascertain whether there are any circumstances that would warrant the dismissal of your case. They will also have the capacity to work on your behalf during license suspension hearings with the motor vehicle department. There’s a better chance of you maintaining your license, or having a shorter suspension, when you work with a lawyer. The expertise established while working on different cases has equipped them with the knowledge of which defenses work, and which defenses are less effective – based on different scenarios and circumstances.

One of the things that you’ll have to do if you’ve been stopped for driving under the influence is determine the strategy that will be used for your case. You can either go to trial or accept a plea deal. It can be difficult to know which option is best when you don’t have any experience with DUI laws. An experienced DUI lawyer will walk you through the different options, including the pros and cons of each. They may also be familiar with DUI diversion programs that are funded by the county; participating in this type of program can potentially result in the dismissal or reduction of your sentence.

Additional Considerations

Given the potential consequences of a DUI charge, not working with a DUI lawyer can be risky. It’s important to consider what’s at stake and whether you’re willing to take the risk of not having an advocate that understands the intricacies of a DUI case. Some people who have been charged with driving under the influence believe they don’t need a DUI lawyer because they’re innocent. Unfortunately, being innocent and proving that you’re innocent are two different things. You have to state your case in a way that’s effective. If you attempt to do so ineffectively, there is no defense for ignorance of the law. In other words, not knowing the law isn’t enough to have the outcome of a case reversed.

Something else to consider is that an experienced DUI lawyer will know if any errors have occurred. For instance, if a sobriety test was preformed unlawfully, a DUI lawyer will probably ascertain that fact and take the appropriate actions. Given the knowledge and expertise that a DUI lawyer offers, the importance of hiring one should be a forgone conclusion.