What can hiring a lawyer do for my DUI case?
Every state has laws that express that it is a crime for anyone driving a vehicle to do so while impaired by alcohol or any other drugs, including prescription medications. And, if you are arrested while driving under the influence and convicted, you will receive a criminal sentence.
This may be a fine, time in jail, or doing community service. You may also face your driver’s license being suspended or revoked depending on the severity of the offense and whether this was your first one.
Do you really need an attorney for a DUI case?
Your first instinct might be to try to work this out on your own. After all, you may think that the blood alcohol level revealed in your test is not too high and with some good arguments you might be able to talk yourself out of any possible charges. However, before going that route, you should be aware of the fact that drunk or impaired driving is taken quite seriously by the courts and that the stakes are quite high.
How can a DUI affect you?
You already know that a DUI is a serious offense. What you might not have thought about is that, if convicted, this charge could have serious consequences. It could ruin your career, you may lose your professional license, it may have an impact on your future employment, and, if you are considering furthering your education, certain colleges and universities may not accept you. Also, you may lose your driver’s license, you may have to spend time in jail, or you may have to pay a fine.
If all of that was not enough, you may find yourself experiencing anxiety or depression or struggling with a variety of emotions including anger, sadness, shame, or guilt. And how can you not experience all those feelings after being placed in a police vehicle and taken to the nearest police station?
What happens if you lose your driving privileges?
You may find that your sentence includes the loss of driving privileges for a certain period of time. And if you refuse to have a breathalyzer or blood test performed, you may discover that your license is suspended right away, even before you have to appear in court.
Would you be able to get to and from work or any other places you usually visit without a license? How would you feel about having to rely on family and friends to drive you or pick you up from everywhere? Probably not too happy.
How can a lawyer help your DUI case?
Your lawyer can prevent the worst from happening and help you avoid receiving a harsh punishment for a crime you might not even have committed. They may even be able to go so far as to have your DUI case dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
Your lawyer will help you by analyzing the breathalyzer test, by checking whether the equipment used was properly calibrated, if the initial traffic stop was handled the right way or if there are any errors or omissions in the procedure used for your arrest.