Being arrested for a DUI is a terrifying event that may also be costly. You may be wondering if you should engage an attorney if you are facing DUI charges. Like many individuals, you may be anxious about the expense of hiring an attorney – or how you will locate a lawyer who will fight for your rights and defend your best interests. You could also assume that because it’s such a simple matter, defending oneself will be simple, especially if you want to plead guilty to the charges.
If you are arrested on criminal charges, you have the right to an attorney under the law. If you cannot afford an attorney, you will be appointed one at no cost to you if you satisfy certain financial requirements. Many people fall into a middle ground: their income is too high for a court-appointed lawyer, but not quite low enough to afford a private DUI attorney.
They may interpret this that they should just go alone. In most situations, you will be allowed to represent yourself if you are competent. However, just because you have the ability to represent yourself does not imply it is a smart decision. “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client,” as the cliché goes.
Why do you need an attorney?
DUI accusations may appear straightforward: either you were driving while inebriated or you were not. However, fighting against DUI accusations necessitates some specific understanding. This encompasses everything from the legislation to court procedures to the science of how your body absorbs alcohol, as well as how similar cases are generally handled. Most non-attorneys — and most lawyers who do not practice DUI defense — are unaware of this.
The legal system is complex, and the legislation governing criminal charges is extensive and potentially perplexing. If you do not employ an attorney, you may lose out on numerous viable defenses, causing you to plead guilty to charges that could have been reduced or dropped with the aid of a skilled lawyer.
An attorney will be familiar with the procedures for collecting and analyzing breath and blood samples. The charges might be dismissed completely if those guidelines are broken. If the police stopped or arrested you in violation of your rights, an attorney might submit a request to have your case dropped. The majority of individuals are unaware of these regulations or laws, and are unaware that they have the option to have their case dismissed.
Beyond the law, scientific evidence is used in DUI trials, such as chemical testing that reveal your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest. While most lawyers are not scientists, DUI attorneys have a thorough understanding of how the body processes alcohol and how these tests operate. They’ll almost certainly have ties to a network of specialists, such as forensic toxicologists, who can testify on your favor that you weren’t driving while inebriated.
A DUI conviction will be on your record for the rest of your life. It can have major ramifications, ranging from license suspension to severe penalties, obligatory DUI school, probation, or even jail time. You cannot afford not to contact a DUI lawyer if you have been arrested for a DUI. The stakes are too high, and the consequences might be disastrous. Call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you require a legal consultation with an experienced attorney.
