Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is illegal no matter where you live in the United States. And for this reason, DUI charges are handled in court. You have the right to defend yourself before a judge, but most defendants hire an expert DUI attorney to help defend them in court.
This article will explain when you should contact an expert DUI attorney for your case.
If you have no legal experience or prior record, it can be challenging to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your own case. The reason why is that DUI law can be complicated and constantly changes. Plus, you must take into account that every case is unique. One of the best things you can do after being charged with a DUI is to get the opinion of an experienced DUI lawyer.
Most DUI lawyers provide free consultations to prospective clients. However, even if you have to pay a small fee, it is typically money well spent to know where your case stands. You’ll want to bring your police report and any other case documents to the consultation to make the best use of both of your time. It’s also worthwhile to compile a list of questions you have that you want to get answered.
The good news is that you don’t have to hire the DUI attorney you have a consultation with. But meeting face-to-face can be a great way to gauge whether things could work out with an attorney if you want to hire one.
Most people tend to hire DUI lawyers to represent them in DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, as they know the intricate details of the case in-depth.
But one of the primary reasons people refrain from hiring their own DUI attorney is the cost. Hiring a DUI lawyer generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000. And if your case goes to trial, you can expect to pay even more. However, remember that most lawyers and attorney’s offices have several payment options to help you afford your case.
Despite the costs, hiring a DUI attorney can be well worth it. They often have an in-depth understanding of DUI law and defenses that other attorneys don’t have. And in some instances, this expertise can mean a better plea bargain or dismissal of the charges altogether.
Having an expert DUI lawyer can also minimize your time in court. In most cases, those with a public defender must personally appear for all court dates, while those with a public defender likely won’t have to be present. For many busy professionals, not having to miss work can be a significant perk of hiring a DUI attorney. You’ll also have someone you can routinely go to for questions and to have your concerns addressed.
If you’re charged with a DUI, a guilty conviction could be life-changing. Don’t settle for a plea deal before you talk with an experienced DUI attorney. I’m the attorney that Sacramento County and Northern California trust for criminal defense litigation. I can minimize the consequences of the charges or clear your name entirely.
As soon as you’re issued a criminal charge, call my office for a conversation that will change the way you think about your DUI.