What Can a DUI Lawyer Do For You?
If you face a criminal charge for driving under the influence (DUI), partner with a DUI lawyer to protect your rights. If you’re wondering what a DUI lawyer can do for you, the short answer is they can do a lot.
A DUI charge is a serious criminal matter, and the outcome can affect you for the rest of your life. Often, individuals charged with DUI simply want to put the situation behind them and, as a result, decide to quickly plead guilty without fully understanding the ramifications of that plea.
While a desire to resolve the case quickly is understandable, using an experienced criminal defense lawyer to resolve your DUI can help in many ways.
While there are no guarantees regarding how criminal DUI charges will turn out and even more uncertainty when it comes to jury trials, an experienced DUI lawyer may help improve your chances of receiving a fair outcome and minimize the negative impacts of a DUI charge.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a DUI?
Being charged with a DUI is more complicated than dealing with many other criminal charges.
Each state has different laws that apply to DUI offenders, depending upon:
- How many prior DUI convictions the accused has on their criminal record;
- The amount of alcohol or drugs in their system at the time of the arrest;
- Whether there was an accident; or
- Whether another person was injured or killed.
Skilled DUI lawyers can review your situation and explain how the relevant laws apply to your case. These attorneys will know what a reasonable outcome could be and how to achieve the best possible result under your unique circumstances.
6 Benefits of Working With a DUI Lawyer
With so much at stake, it is risky to handle your DUI case on your own. Here are a few of the many benefits you’ll receive when you hire a skilled DUI attorney to resolve your pending criminal charges.
1. A dedicated DUI lawyer has knowledge and experience you don’t possess
This is probably the most important factor when considering what a DUI lawyer can do for you. DUI laws are complicated and vary from state to state. Be sure the lawyer you choose completely understands the laws that apply to your situation.
Your lawyer must know all possible penalties and other sentencing alternatives, including whether they apply to your case. Your case outcome may be very different if you qualify for license suspension or probation instead of a straight jail sentence.
A thorough DUI attorney will also be aware of relevant case law that could be used to support a legal defense.
Beyond the potential criminal court outcomes, most DUI cases also involve the loss of driving privileges due to a license suspension or revocation by the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
A DUI lawyer will know whether there are ways to avoid or shorten this suspension through a DMV hearing, an ignition device, or some other procedure.
2. Your DUI lawyer can negotiate a better outcome on your behalf
Before your case goes to trial, your attorney will have the opportunity to discuss the charges with the prosecutor. Your lawyer can learn the basis of the prosecution’s case, the evidence that will be presented, and how strong the prosecution’s case against you is overall.
Strong DUI attorneys will point out the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use those to convince the prosecuting attorney to offer the best possible alternatives. Using the knowledge gained from dealing with the prosecutor, your attorney can explain your legal options and what you may expect for a final outcome.
Also, your lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain to reduce jail time and/or fines and penalties or possibly argue for a dismissal on your behalf.
3. Skilled DUI attorneys can prepare strong legal defenses
By gathering evidence, reviewing case law, and learning the basis of the prosecution’s argument, your lawyer can find any inconsistencies and weaknesses in the case against you and prepare solid evidence and arguments to contradict the charges.
Your lawyer knows the prosecution has a difficult burden of proof since they must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Armed with the right evidence and legal arguments, a good criminal defense lawyer could challenge the evidence, create reasonable doubt, and convince a judge or jury that the burden of proof has not been met.
For example, your attorney may argue that the arresting officer had no probable cause to stop and arrest you. Or they may challenge the results of any blood alcohol or drug testing. They could also offer contradictory evidence from eyewitnesses or experts to show you are not guilty of the charges filed against you.
These complex arguments require extensive education and experience only dedicated DUI lawyers possess.
4. Your DUI attorney can file motions and present a strong defense at trial to ensure your rights are protected
Your attorney must also meet all filing deadlines and follow court procedures related to your case. If the prosecution wants to submit evidence that is not legally admissible, a smart DUI attorney will file motions to exclude facts, testimony, or other types of evidence that are not permitted under the law to ensure a fair trial.
For example, if the blood alcohol testing was not performed correctly or field sobriety tests were suspicious, your lawyer might file a motion to exclude that evidence. The prosecution’s case will be severely impacted if the motion is successful.
If the facts and relevant law allow, your lawyer might be able to file a motion to dismiss your charges altogether and avoid plea negotiations or a risky trial.
Without legal representation, if you miss a deadline or fail to object to certain evidence, you could harm your case and the possibility of receiving a fair outcome.
If your case goes to trial, a DUI lawyer can help choose an impartial jury, present helpful evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and argue for the best possible outcome for you.
5. In addition to handling your criminal charges, a thorough DUI attorney can help get your driver’s license back
Many states impose an automatic driver’s license suspension after someone is arrested for driving under the influence. This process is not handled in criminal court. Instead, each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles controls the issuance, suspension, and revocation of driving privileges.
Upon a DUI arrest, you might lose your license and driving privileges immediately or within a matter of days. Without a valid license, you can face many other problems, including loss of employment or additional criminal charges if you drive during a suspension.
A DUI attorney could help you request a hearing and present evidence to dispute the DMV’s suspension of your license. Or your lawyer might know other ways to minimize the impact of a suspended license.
For example, some states allow the installation of an ignition device that requires certain steps before you can start your vehicle during the suspension timeframe.
6. Working with an experienced DUI lawyer can help ease your stress and maybe even save you money in the long run
Some people may hesitate to hire a DUI lawyer because of the legal fees. In the long run, working with a qualified attorney may reduce the amount of monetary penalties, such as fines or restitution, that you may be ordered to pay.
Also, you may not miss as much time from work if you have an attorney fighting for you, which could mean the difference between keeping your job and being unemployed.
Most importantly, a skilled lawyer can explain the complicated DUI process and what you may expect to happen while they deal with the details involved in your case. You won’t have to worry about gathering evidence, meeting deadlines, negotiating with the prosecution, and building a defense to your pending charges. That peace of mind is invaluable during this stressful time in your life.
To Learn More About What a DUI Lawyer Can Do For You, Reach Out to Berry Law
When you are facing DUI charges, your future is on the line. You may be looking at a criminal record, substantial fines and penalties, license suspension, loss of employment, or even jail time. Don’t try to represent yourself. Trust a criminal defense law firm with extensive experience and a successful track record of helping people receive a fair outcome in their DUI cases.
Call Berry Law today at (402) 466-8444 or complete our simple online contact form to learn more about how we can help you fight your DUI charges and related issues.
