Handling a DUI charge can be difficult. Not only is the process complex, but you also need to decide on whether or not to hire a DUI attorney to represent your case. Here are some things you should consider when you are trying to decide if you need a DUI attorney.
What does a DUI attorney do?
Hiring an attorney to handle your DUI case will be entirely for the purpose of handling the legal jumble of DUI laws. An attorney is more experienced at dealing with court cases as well as entirely up to date with DUI laws in your area, so they should be consulted if you are ever facing any confusion about your case. Attorneys will also provide help with contesting charges and can even lessen punishments for repeat offenders.
Do you always need a DUI attorney?
The simple answer is no. However, if your case goes to court then you should hire an attorney. Going to court means you are contesting the charge either by pleading not guilty or by negotiating a sentence bargain. Additionally, if the DUI charge is not your first offense then you should definitely hire an attorney to represent you.
While it is possible to represent yourself in a court case, it is better to avoid this when possible. There are a lot of court etiquette and legal codes that need to be considered and only experience will provide the necessary skills. It may even be possible to find an attorney who will give you their professional opinion on your case for a small fee, or even for free. If you are unsure about whether or not to hire a DUI attorney then a consultation will be beneficial.
When is a DUI attorney unnecessary?
If this is your first DUI offense then it will be better for you not to spend money on an attorney, especially if field sobriety test results can prove that you impaired at the time in question. The rule of thumb is to not hire an attorney if you are planning on pleading guilty. An attorney’s job will be to help you reduce punishments or to plead not guilty, so if you plan on pleading guilty then avoid the charge of hiring a DUI attorney.
If the tested BAC from your arrest was much higher than the legal limit of 0.08%, then avoid the charge for a DUI attorney. However, if your body type means that the limit you were at would not make you impaired then it may be beneficial to contest the charge and hire an attorney to work that contest for you. Only avoid the attorney if the evidence is already stacked against you.
