Why You Should Hire the Best Lawyer For Your First DUI

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Have you been charged with DUI? In the United States, everyone has the right to counsel. The government may appoint a free defense lawyer to represent you in court if you can show you are indigent. While it may be tempting to save money on an attorney when you are facing hefty fines, this is not the time or the place to cut costs.

You may not have felt like you were too drunk to drive, or perhaps you experienced a lapse in judgment. Either way, now you have been charged with driving under the influence. Chances are, you have questions about what you should do next to protect your future.

DUI lawyer cost should not be a factor when your future is at stake. Even if this is your first offense, the ramifications of a conviction can be long-lasting. The benefits of getting a criminal defense attorney generally outweigh the expense and many offer free initial consultations

The Disadvantages of A Public Defender

A public defender is likely overworked and more interested in moving your case on than anything else. It is because of this that you are not likely to get the best outcome when you go this route. Here are three more reasons you should skip the court-appointed counsel:

They can’t help you with the DMV
They can’t help you keep your job
They will pressure you to plead guilty right away

Public defenders have huge caseloads, and to them, you are likely to be just another number. They simply do not have the time or resources to devote to you or your case. You deserve to work with legal counsel that will be invested in protecting your future.

If you’re facing your first DUI charge, what you do next is critical. You may be frightened, anxious, and wondering what you should do. You may be able to lessen your penalties if you get a lawyer with a strong and proven track record.

Why You May Need an Experienced DUI Lawyer

Prosecutors generally offer all first-time offenders a standard plea bargain offer. This is merely a starting point. Your lawyer will understand how to point out flaws in their case that can lessen your consequences.

You should get in touch with a criminal lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. Look for the following qualifications before you decide on an attorney:

Experience with your type of charge
Successfully defended your type of case
Excellent communication skills
A great ethical record

Once you’ve been charged, every move you make will be critical. This is too important to risk without a knowledgeable professional to advise you.

The Benefits of Getting a DUI Attorney

The benefits of getting a lawyer to represent you are numerous. Your criminal defense attorney may be able to:

Challenge the results of tests
Get you reasonable fines
Get your charges lowered
Help avoid or lessen jail time
Get your case dismissed
Minimize your court time
Work with prosecutors
Help you get your license back

In some states, the laws may be more lenient on first-time offenders. Even with a lawyer, you may end up spending some time in jail. You can also expect higher car insurance rates, legal costs, and the possible suspension of your license.

Every day in the United States, nearly 30 people die in drunk driving accidents. That is one person every 50 minutes. Many states are cracking down on drunk driving by imposing harsh penalties for those who are accused of driving under the influence.

Your attorney may not be able to get your charges dropped altogether, but they will be able to help you make the most of what comes next.

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About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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