When You Need a DUI Defense Lawyer

Whether or not to hire a DUI defense lawyer is a common question for individuals facing a first time DUI charge. The fines, jail time, license suspension and other penalties involved in a DUI case can be life altering. Getting a good defense attorney may cost you in the short term, but if your case has any merit, it could save you money in the long run.

DUI Defense

Defending against a DUI will largely depend on the facts of your case. Some of the common lines of defense in a DUI case include:

• Suppression of evidence illegally obtained. You must be stopped for a legal reason, and if you were not, you may be able to limit use of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal arrest.
• Faulty equipment. The police must establish that the equipment used to make assessments about blood alcohol level are properly functioning. Some cases are won based on the theory of lack of control of equipment or faulty equipment.

Other defenses may also be available in your case based on the unique circumstances.

Gathering Evidence and Plea Bargaining

Because attorneys are skilled at handling the legal system and reviewing criminal cases, an attorney can help you in ways that no lay person can. An attorney can see the strengths and weaknesses in your case and help you understand how to downplay the weaknesses and bolster the strengths in court and during preliminary proceedings.

If you wish to try to work with the prosecution to enter a lesser plea in your case, an attorney can skillfully work with the opposing counsel in your case to get you the best possible deal. By preparing your case for trial, an attorney stands a better chance of getting you the plea bargain you seek. Still, your attorney may advise you that your chances are better going to trial. You should discuss the facts of your case in detail with your attorney before making any final decisions about your case.

Hiring an Attorney

While you may be uncertain whether or not to hire an attorney in your DUI case, in many instances it does not hurt to consult an attorney. An attorney can tell you whether you have a good shot in court and help you to figure out a good strategy for your DUI case.