Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. If caught, you could end up paying fines or face a jail term. If you are charged with DUI, be prepared for a tough road ahead, as the justice system doesn’t handle such cases lightly. If you have been charged with DUI and wondering why you should work with a DUI attorney, then you are in the right place. In this article, you will learn why hiring a lawyer is essential to handling your case.
Who is a DUI Lawyer?
A DUI lawyer devotes most or all of their practice to drugged driving, drunk driving, and other related issues. A DUI lawyer will offer legal advice if you are charged with driving under the influence. The work of a DUI lawyer is to ensure that the outcome of the court case goes in your favor by creating a solid case in your defense. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you can contact an experienced lawyer, Alan Pearse, who will guard you through your case.
Why You Need A DUI Lawyer?
It is an excellent idea to hire a DUI lawyer. Here are the reasons why you need a DUI lawyer.
Evade Testing Requirements
Some of the penalties involved as part of your punishment are tedious and costly; this includes urinalysis testing. You’ll be required to visit a testing facility once daily to determine if you need to get tested. If you miss any test, you could end up in jail, thus affecting your probation. Testing requirements are challenging to adhere to if you have limited transportation or if you are working. Your license can also be revoked or suspended, making it even more difficult to make appointments. A DUI lawyer can have this penalty removed or reduced so you can live normally. Without a lawyer, you will hardly convince a judge to remove this requirement from your case.
Future Employment Opportunity
A DUI case can go on your criminal record if not appropriately handled. It could affect your current employment and your ability to apply for new jobs. A DUI lawyer will assist in minimizing your charges so that it cannot go to a criminal record. You may pay other fines or serve community services to keep this information private. You should consider a lawyer to handle your case to avoid being rejected for a prospective job.
Keeping Your License
After you’re arrested for a DUI, your license is restricted or revoked immediately. You cannot drive for some time while you go through the court proceedings. A DUI attorney can help get the charges reduced and get your license back. You can lose your license for an entire year from when the case began without a lawyer. This could negatively impact your social life, work, and home. If this is not your first offense, you could have your license suspended for longer.
Avoiding High-Risk Insurance
A DUI lawyer may negotiate for reduced charges to evade high-risk insurance premiums. These premiums can severely impact your finances and are usually mandatory for over three years after getting a DUI. It is essential to note that you may lose your insurance; this depends on the terms and conditions of the outcome of your case. An experienced lawyer will assist you in navigating your insurance options so that you may remain eligible and insured to drive.
What Should You Look For When You Want to Hire A DUI Lawyer?
There are many things to look for when hiring a DUI lawyer. This includes:
Experience
The lawyer you chose should have the expertise to deal with DUI cases. Before hiring a lawyer, you should check their websites and see the laws they specialize in. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations that allow you to enquire about their experience in DUI law. You can ask them about the cases they handled similar to yours, the strategy they used, and their outcomes. The right lawyer will have a proven track record of their work; this includes DUI clients who were satisfied with their work.
Reviews
You can check the online reviews of lawyers in your area. These are available on online review sites and their websites. Any person can get a lousy review sometime, but you’ll want to consider a pattern that can be alarming. You can get a lawyer with many good reviews, which means the lawyer is doing a great job and can handle your case. Most former clients can mention how professional and skilled the lawyer was. These will help you get a glimpse of what to expect.
Confidence and Comfort
While recommendations, reviews, and experience are all essential when hiring a lawyer, you may find yourself more comfortable with some professionals than others. This could be your instinct telling you what to do or a personal issue. Despite that, you will still need to feel confident and relaxed when dealing with a lawyer. Therefore, having a good rapport with your attorney is essential. You’ll need to trust your instinct before making the final decisions.
Recommendations
You won’t just select anyone from the internet when considering hiring the right lawyer. Choosing someone from your area is vital, but you would also want someone recommended to you. You can reach out to family members and friends who may have faced a DUI charge. Personal recommendations will give you an idea of whom you will work with. A recommendation will give you more confidence that you are making the right decision.
When Should I Consider Getting DUI Lawyer?
As soon as you are charged with a crime related to DUI, you should contact a DUI lawyer to assist. You will need immediate defense. Your license may be suspended even before going for a trial after you are arrested. You’ll face more punishment if you get caught with a suspended license.
Conclusion
Feeling lost and stressed when charged with a DUI is normal, but you should not let emotions get the best of you. You can fight and get the best outcome with an experienced and right DUI defense lawyer like Alan Pearse. Therefore do not hesitate to seek legal help and find a lawyer who will best represent you.
