A DUI charge can be daunting, and the possible consequences can change your life forever. However, you can protect your future and move forward confidently with the right approach.
That’s where a DUI lawyer is essential. They can make a significant difference and achieve the best possible outcome. Learn about the basics of DUI proceedings and discover what you should expect when you hire one today.
What Should You Expect When You Hire a DUI Lawyer?
Initial Consultation
Come prepared with all the necessary information for an initial consultation. Your DUI lawyer will review the details and ask questions to develop a defense strategy. But knowing what to expect before it happens can help the entire process go smoothly. You can even learn about the top 5 qualities to look for in a DUI lawyer, ahead of your first meeting.
First, they must understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest. They should review your driving history, prior convictions, and alcohol or drug use. A DUI attorney may also ask about the field sobriety or chemical tests administered. These examinations by police usually include using a breathalyzer or drawing blood. But there are also procedures law enforcement should follow for field sobriety tests.
In addition, your DUI lawyer may ask about your personal and professional background. This information can help them build a stronger case and present you as a law-abiding citizen who made a mistake.
Investigation and Preparation
When you hire a DUI lawyer, they will begin to investigate your case. This is part of what should you expect when you hire a DUI lawyer. They may request police reports, witness statements, and other documentation. The purpose is to uncover potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or extenuating circumstances.
Once your DUI attorney has gathered evidence, they will develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. Generally, the most effective DUI legal defense includes one or more of these elements:
- Challenging the accuracy of chemical or field sobriety tests.
- Arguing the police did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle
- Presenting evidence that your actions were due to a medical condition or medication
DUI cases are intricate, and the laws can change frequently. An experienced DUI lawyer understands the nuances and will wield legal precedent on your behalf. Additionally, they can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or alternatives to prison.
Pre-Trial Negotiations
One of the crucial roles of a DUI lawyer is to represent you in and out of court. If your case goes to trial, they will present evidence, challenge the prosecution’s assertions, and cross-examine witnesses.
Nonetheless, your attorney may be able to avoid a costly and risky trial. Much of their work will involve negotiating lower charges or penalties. They may also explore the possibility of a plea bargain or negotiate an agreement for community service or probation. Once they know where the state stands, they can advise you on the most suitable action.
Representation In Court
If your DUI case goes to trial, it will involve several stages. However, you may still have an opportunity to reach a plea deal before the final verdict. This is probably the most visible example of what should you expect when you hire a DUI lawyer
The first step in a DUI trial is jury selection. The judge, prosecution, and defense will select a group of jurors to deliver a verdict. They will ask questions to determine if they can make a fair decision. But, in some circumstances, your lawyer may suggest choosing a bench trial.
Once the jury is in place, the trial will move on to opening statements. The prosecution will go first and outline the evidence they plan to present. Then, your defense attorney will have a chance to do the same.
After opening statements, the prosecution will begin presenting their evidence. They will typically use witness testimony, police reports, and physical evidence. Your DUI lawyer will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge these assertions. Subsequently, they will also present their evidence and witnesses.
Finally, both the prosecution and defense will make closing arguments. The jury will then deliberate and come to a verdict unless you go with a bench trial.
Well-Informed Outcome
A DUI charge can result in several potential outcomes. The severity of the offense, previous criminal history, and other factors will be critical.
One of the most common outcomes of a DUI case is fines. These financial penalties can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Additionally, you may have to attend drug or alcohol counseling or complete community service. In some cases, you may face probation or even jail time.
You have a right to understand the potential outcomes and the impact they can have on your life. Fines can be a significant burden, and probation or jail time can impact your personal and professional life for years.
Your DUI lawyer will keep you well-informed throughout the legal process, especially about what can happen next. They will advise you on the best course of action and the potential risks of each option.
Hire a Local DUI Lawyer
A DUI charge can be a life-changing experience. But hiring a local lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you live in a state with strict DUI laws, or your locality has more lenient DUI enforcement, we can help you.
Don’t wait or accept any given public defender. Scheduling a consultation as soon as possible is necessary. There is no better time than today to work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
We can connect you with a local DUI attorney that will develop a personalized defense strategy. Complete our brief online form or call us at (866) 345-6784 to get started.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.
