Don't Dismiss The Need For A Lawyer After A DUI
If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) you should not make the mistake of minimizing it. A DUI charge may be a misdemeanor in some locations, but even misdemeanors can carry some extremely serious consequences. If you want to be freed from jail, evaluate a plea bargain, and fight the DUI charges you must hire a DUI lawyer.
Getting Out of Jail
Almost everyone wants to get out of jail as soon as possible. There are two ways to do so: bail is granted or you are released on your own recognizance. Bail is not a given, however. If you are denied bail, you will need to contact a lawyer for help. It's nearly impossible to build a case to fight your DUI from behind bars. Also, bail might be granted but may too high for you to pay. An attorney can convince the judge to lower the bail or to grant bail by citing your ties to the community, your employment, your criminal record, and more. DUI lawyers know the judges, prosecutors, and other judicial personnel and know what is possible.
Be Ready for the Plea Bargain Offer
It's safe to say that the vast majority of DUI cases end with a plea bargain. Plea bargains help the criminal justice system keep the jails less crowded and reduce court cases. When you accept a plea bargain, you are giving up your Constitutional right to a trial before a jury of your peers. Instead of a trial, you will be entering a "guilty" plea before the judge and you will be sentenced immediately. In some cases, you know the sentence ahead of time but not always. The bargain offered by the state may or may not be in your best interest and expert advice is needed before you agree to anything. That means that those without representation could be taken advantage of when they sign the agreement.
Fight the DUI Charges
The state's case against you is built on evidence. In most cases, that means evidence gathered at the time of the arrest at the roadside stop. The reason for the stop (probable cause), the field sobriety test results, and the results of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are all used to form the plea bargain or the case against the defendant. None of the evidence is unassailable. Your lawyer will know how to dispute every piece of evidence the state has with the goal of dropped or reduced charges or a "not guilty" verdict. Speak to a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible and don't allow this arrest to ruin your life.
For more information, contact a DUI attorney today.