Do I Need an Attorney If I’ve Been Charged with a Dui?

The threat of a DUI conviction can leave you shaken and worried about your future. That’s understandable given the stakes involved. After all, a conviction could lead to jail time, license suspension or revocation, loss of employment, trouble securing a new job, damage to your reputation, and even problems with your child custody arrangement.

With so much at stake, you must the strongest DUI criminal defense possible, but does that mean seeking help from a DUI criminal defense attorney?

Reasons why it’s a good idea to have a DUI criminal defense attorney on your side

Although you can choose to proceed with your drunk driving case without an attorney, doing so could be risky. Here are some of the benefits of having one of these attorneys on your side:

• Knowledge of the law: Even if the evidence appears insurmountable in your case, you might be able to beat the prosecution on nuanced legal grounds. But if you’re navigating your case on your own, then you probably won’t know where to look for prosecutorial weaknesses. If you want to ensure that you’ve assessed every criminal defense option available to you, then you may want to secure the assistance of a DUI criminal defense attorney.
• Negotiate reduced penalties: A lot of people who proceed with their drunk driving case without a DUI attorney end up just taking the penalties that prosecutors throw at them. These can be more severe that you’d otherwise face if you were represented by a criminal defense attorney. By having a DUI defense attorney on your side, you can more effectively negotiate with prosecutors to minimize the penalties you’ll face, thus helping you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible.
• Gather evidence: Evidence collection can be burdensome when you do it on your own. But a criminal defense attorney will immediately know where to look for helpful evidence and can take the time out of the day needed to secure it on your behalf. This can lift a burden from your shoulders, helping you feel at ease knowing that your case will be as thoroughly prepared as possible.
• Peace of mind: Navigating the criminal justice system can be stressful under any circumstances, but it can be even more crushing when you’re trying to do everything yourself. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the DUI prosecution process. By allowing a DUI defense attorney to help you, you can take that stress off your plate and redirect your energy to other important matters in your life.

Ultimately, the decision to secure the assistance of a criminal defense attorney is one that only you can make. We encourage you to sit down and think about the benefits of having an advocate in your corner, as well as what you have to lose by seeking out assistance. That way you can make a fully informed decision that best protects your interests.

Do you have lingering questions about DUI representation?

It’s natural to have a lot of questions after being arrested and charged with DUI. It’s okay to ask them. In fact, you shouldn’t hesitate to find answers to your questions, otherwise you’ll proceed with your case in the dark, leaving you susceptible to mistakes that carry long-term consequences.