DUI Lawyer: Yes, You Need One

You may know someone or even several people who have been convicted of driving while under the influence. They may swear up and down that it wasn’t too much of an ordeal, but any skilled DUI lawyer knows that a conviction can negatively impact many areas of your life for years to come.

If you are facing charges for drunk driving, it is important that you take the case very seriously. Hire a qualified DUI lawyer immediately to help you navigate the rocky waters you’re about to face. If possible, avoid incriminating yourself by speaking with proper representation first. Provide the police with minimal information required. It is within your rights to wait until your professional representative is present before you start speaking.

So what exactly are the consequences for drunk driving? Well it largely depends on the state and degree of intoxication, but other matters such as passengers present in the car or special circumstances such as within a school zone can radically increase the penalties you’ll face. Because there are so many different mitigating circumstances surrounding the situation, it is imperative to have a DUI lawyer who can help you handle the various factors. How the police handle the situation can also greatly impact the outcome of your case. It is not all that uncommon for them to improperly administer an alcohol test or breach another law that can work in your favor. Without a proper attorney, however, these avenues cannot be investigated and used to your advantage.

Any DUI lawyer will tell you that a conviction can come with huge spikes in insurance rates, or even complete drops from carriers, jail time, hefty fees, community service, suspension of your license, and probation. The consequences you face depend heavily on the skill of your legal professional and how the case is handled. In many cases, a qualified attorney can help greatly reduce the penalties.

It is also advisable to remember that there is still time to soften the blow of a conviction. Many people erroneously believe that after they’ve been caught, detained, and charged that it’s all over. Don’t give up so soon! A DUI lawyer can help you find a way to negotiate penalties. It may seem overwhelming initially, especially if you have made mistakes during and after the arrest, but you will be taking huge risks without proper legal representation. Even if you choose to enter a guilty plea or no contest to the charges, a legal professional can still help you when faced with the penalties.

Still think you can’t afford this type of lawyer? Many will work with you to come up with payment plans. Don’t be afraid to take the time to shop around and compare rates. The most expensive doesn’t always mean the best. A good lawyer can also help give you advice about how to deal with the aftermath of a conviction, such as finding work if you’ve lost your job, getting your license back, or finding a new insurance company that will cover you.