A DUI attorney is an attorney who specializes in defending individuals and businesses accused of DUI criminal activity. A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a charge that carries a number of legal and financial consequences for those charged with DUI. In some cases, drivers can face jail time, loss of driver's license, increased auto insurance rates, probation, fines and more. Even if a person does not go to jail, the charges have a serious impact on their driving record, current job opportunities, and life in general. Therefore, it is essential to hire a DUI defense attorney at the earliest opportunity.
There are many types of DUI defense attorneys to choose from. Most DUI attorneys work with flat fees for their services, but some work independently and provide additional services, such as preparing documents and researching cases of a similar nature. It is very important that you speak with a DUI defense attorney that you trust before retaining them to represent you. Many DUI attorneys do not handle all aspects of the defense as they have specific areas of expertise.
For example, you may want to discuss with your dui attorney if they can have the case dismissed for lack of evidence. If your lawyer does not know how to proceed in this area, he can refer you to an expert DUI lawyer who has experience in this area. As you may know, most states require a defendant to have their own attorney to fight a DUI case, and without an attorney, the prosecution has the burden of proving your innocence. Hiring an experienced lawyer can make your job easier.
You'll also want to discuss with your attorney whether previous DUI convictions will be taken into account when you're charged. Penalties for a DUI conviction are much higher than for other offenses, and laws change from state to state. Although repeat DUI offenders may face additional penalties, such as increased insurance premiums and possible jail time, for the first offense it is often wise to hire a qualified attorney who has experience in the fight against these cases. This can help you avoid additional fines or even longer prison sentences.
It is important to hire a dui lawyer who knows when to offer you the plea bargain strategy. If you face serious criminal charges such as a second or third DUI, chances are the charges will be escalated or even dropped. Although penalties are often harsher for first offenses, if you can prove you weren't drunk driving, you may be able to plead a lesser charge. That's why it's important to hire a knowledgeable lawyer who can walk you through the options and negotiate a plea bargain that's right for you.
The best way to find a great dui attorney or DUI attorneys in general is to hire a reputable defense attorney. You should look for a law school that teaches legal defenses such as DUI because this area of law has many complexities and there are many less experienced lawyers out there who have little or no experience at all. An advanced law school degree is also highly recommended, as most successful dui lawyers and attorneys begin their careers by attending and completing a year of law school. Completing an excellent law degree can help you land higher-level jobs and more prestigious positions once you become a practicing lawyer in your field. With a solid education and a law degree, you can be sure that you will be effective in your position and that you will have the professional success that you deserve.
