Can A Lawyer Really Help With DUI?

Facing DUI charges can put yourself and your future in jeopardy as it can put a severe consequence, especially when someone was injured as a result. Since DUI or driving under the influence is a relatively minor offense, DUI cases rarely made the news, and the penalties were limited to DUI classes and fines. However, DUI charges have dramatically changed over the years. Presently, DUI cases carry serious consequences, the possibility of long jail sentences, a large number of fines, and the possibility of your driver’s license being revoked.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you have lots of questions going around your head. Is an attorney required? Can you represent yourself in the trial? If you choose a lawyer, won’t any lawyer be as good as another? We can answer that hiring an attorney should be the first thing you should consider once you have been arrested. However, not just any attorney but someone who can ensure that they are an expert DUI attorney, who has the experience and the knowledge required to alleviate the outcome of your case.

Here at Summit Defense Law Offices, we care about your rights. Our DUI defense attorney can help you give legal advice, fight your DUI charge. Book an appointment and call us or fill up our online form. We offer free consultation on your first visit.

In What Way Can A DUI Lawyer Help?

Experienced DUI attorneys specializing in handling these cases know that some mistakes are made throughout the arrest process. These mistakes, may it be intentional or not, may lead to people getting charged falsely or more severe charges being sought. So exposing these mistakes in the prosecution’s case is what helps beat DUI charges.

• Investigating Your Arrest

A DUI lawyer will look thoroughly at your arrest reports and verify if the officer followed the law correctly. Improper vehicle pull-over or even not following the proper arrest procedure could lead to a dismissal of your case. An officer not telling you that it was a crime to decline a breathalyzer after your arrest can result in a dismissal of additional charges.

• Flaws in Chemical Tests

The DUI lawyers will also look at the results of any blood or breath test taken at the time of your arrest. If the breathalyzer is faulty, not properly maintained, or proper lab procedures are not followed, your results may not be admitted as a piece of trial evidence. Conversely, your BAC or Blood Alcohol Content rises naturally over time. A breath test taken a couple more hours after the arrest may appear to have a higher BAC than you had when you were driving, placing you over the legal limit.

• Other Defenses

An intoxicated person or any person under the influence found alone inside the car is usually assumed to have been driving the vehicle. The point is also considered even if they are sitting in the passenger seat. Subsequently, the prosecution must be able to prove that you were driving the vehicle while having or exceeding the BAC limit of 0.008%. Further, if the trial could not verify that you were not simply sleeping the effects of a few drinks before driving, your DUI charges can be dropped.

What If I Represent My DUI Case By Myself?

After a DUI arrest or DUI conviction either due to drugs or alcohol, you may risk facing severe consequences. To be exact, DUI cases may result in fines, jail time, loss of driver’s license, and worse, your job. You do not have to hire a good DUI lawyer to be your legal representation if you don’t want to, but at Summit Defense, we highly recommend that you do. There is so much at risk if your case is not successfully defended.

While you are entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it is not the best idea out there. Based on experience, our DUI attorneys know how difficult trials can be, and it takes a lot of experience to succeed in the proceedings.

Hence, self-represented defendants’ lack of legal knowledge can put that person in great peril, especially at court. It is not uncommon for judges to have little patience for self-represented individuals unaware of the rules of the criminal court. You don’t have to face this alone; Summit Defense is here for you if you are going to trial.

Contact our experienced DUI attorney at Summit Defense if you are going to trial or have any further questions.

Can I Just Hire A Public Defender To Handle My DUI Case?

You have the right to an attorney if you cannot afford one. Public defenders are provided for defendants who meet specific financial requirements. You have to fall with a certain limit for income and savings before you become eligible for a public defender.

In parallel to that, Public defenders are licensed attorneys, if you ask. However, these DUI lawyers often have heavy caseloads and may not have all the necessary sources to provide excellent service to their clients.

So, even if you get a public defender, at the end of your case, either dismissed or convicted, the court may order you to pay the cost of the attorney services.

What Should I Look For In A DUI Attorney?

When looking for a lawyer, you should look for someone who has tons of experience. On top of that, you should take a lot of time to research the following: How many cases does the DUI lawyer handle? How many did plead guilty or acquittals have been able to attain? What type of outcomes has the majority of their cases received? How much experience and education in the DUI field does the attorney have? All of these questions must be answered to make the proper choice in legal representation.

The right choice can help you keep your freedom and especially your driver’s license. Plus, the right attorney can help you get your case dropped due to incorrect procedures by the arresting officer or the police system. Do not leave your DUI criminal defense up to chance; secure that you have the legal representation that you need and the required legal counsel to understand the consequences that you face.

How Much Does A DUI Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a good DUI attorney depends on the severity of the case and the charge. When entering a plea deal, a DUI lawyer will usually cost approximately anywhere between $700 and $1,500. However, if your case ends up going to trial, the cost of the lawyer will increase. So on average, the price of a lawyer taking a case to trial varies between $1,500 and $4,000+.

Is There Any Chance Of Getting Convicted Even If I Hire A DUI Lawyer?

Depending on your state, a DUI conviction can stay on your driving record for 75 years. Some states also do not allow DUI charges to be expunged. Given how hard it is to beat a DUI charge, it is probably safe to say that the overwhelming majority of individuals who beat their driving under the influence charges had the right lawyer helping them.

A Summit Defense DUI Lawyer Will Fight For Your Rights

If you are ready to find the right DUI lawyer for your case, call us at 1 (866) 560-4276 or fill out our online form. Our Summit Defense law firm offers a free case evaluation on your first visit with our experienced attorneys. They can evaluate your case and begin building a solid defense strategy. The quicker you decide, the more time your lawyer has to help you with your case.

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