If you have been charged with drunk or impaired driving, you need to speak with an attorney right away. This is because a conviction on such a charge could result in damage to your personal and professional lives as well as significant legal consequences. Let’s look at some specific reasons an attorney can help in a DUI case.
Your Attorney Could Negotiate a Plea Deal
An attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal in a case that can help you avoid some or all of the penalties associated with the charge. For instance, you may be allowed to plead to reckless driving or not obeying a stop sign as opposed to a DUI. Doing so may mean paying a lower fine, keeping your license and not having to acknowledge the DUI on a background check.
An Attorney Could Have Evidence Suppressed
Your DUI lawyer may be able to have evidence suppressed as part of a defense strategy. For example, your lawyer could argue that a police statement should not be seen by a jury or that evidence used to conduct a traffic stop should be thrown out. Depending on what is not allowed to be shown to a jury, it could result in the case being dismissed for lack of admissible evidence.
Your Attorney May Prevent You from Making Mistakes
An attorney could take steps to ensure that you don’t say or do anything that could jeopardize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in the matter. Those who don’t have an attorney may not know how to question witnesses in a court of law. They may also not understand that they don’t have to speak to the police without legal representation. As even a small mistake can alter the outcome of a DUI case, it is best to obtain legal counsel quickly.
Attorneys Know How to Create Compelling Arguments
An attorney will likely have a better understanding of the law than you do. Therefore, he or she will understand how to use the law and existing precedent to create a compelling argument on your behalf. This could lead to a plea or a case being dismissed regardless of the facts in the case.
If you have been taken into custody on a DUI charge, be sure to talk to an attorney immediately. Ideally, you will do so before talking to the police or anyone else about your case. Whatever you say to your attorney generally remains confidential.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
