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Do you need a lawyer for the first day of court for a DUI?
Question:
Do you need a lawyer for the first day of court for a DUI?
This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.
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DUI & DWI Laws - Learn about the penalties and laws associated with a drunk driving charge in your state.
Cell Phone and Texting Laws - State laws on texting and using your cell phone while driving.
Car Insurance Requirements - Learn about the insurance requirements in your state.
Speeding Laws - Learn about the basic speeding laws in each state.
Teen Driving Laws - Learn about your states driving laws for teens.
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When you go to court for a DUI, generally the first day is one of the most important. When you first go to court, you will usually be read the charges against you and you will need to either plead guilty or not guilty or enter an affirmative defense (such as asserting you were justified in your actions). After you enter your plea, then a trial may be scheduled at which you are able to present your argument and defend yourself. You'll want to bring a lawyer with you to this initial court appearance so your lawyer can hear the charges (i.e. whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony) and so your lawyer can help you to enter a plea that is appropriate for your situation.
You will also need to bring a lawyer to every day of your trial where you actually try to defend the DUI charges. Having a lawyer is essential if you want to be successful at any DUI defense, such as a rising BAC defense, a probable cause defense, or an argument that there was some error in the manner in which the police collected evidence. A lawyer can assist you in presenting witnesses, making a clear case, and helping to convince the court that there is reasonable doubt as to your guilt on the DUI charges.
Remember, DUI charges are criminal charges and they are not charges to be taken lightly. In order to make sure you have the best chance of getting out of the event with the minimal amount of penalties, hiring a lawyer as soon as you can is essential.
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