If you’ve never been charged with a crime, you may not know what to do when you’re issued a DUI. It’s important to understand that any criminal charge is a serious matter that could have life-altering consequences if it’s not handled by a professional. By working with a DUI attorney, you can minimize the repercussions from your DUI and maybe get cleared of the charge–even if there’s substantial evidence against you.
It’s always worth the time to consult a private lawyer who specializes in criminal law about your case. A DUI attorney has in-depth knowledge about the laws and proceedings specific to DUI charges–which can vary by county. A consultation can give you a clear idea of what’s at stake, particularly if you’ve never had an interaction with a criminal court or aren’t sure about the charges. A private lawyer can still help reduce the sentence even if the court offers a first-time-offender deal with a moderate punishment.
Prepare for your scheduled consultation so that you can get the most out of the meeting. The attorney will want to know the details of the case, and it’s critical you’re truthful with the circumstances of being pulled over and your conduct with the arresting officer.
A trial isn’t the only circumstance where your case will benefit from a DUI attorney. Because they’ve worked on hundreds of cases just like yours, they’re able to see weaknesses in the evidence against you and leverage that information into a more favorable plea deal. They may even get all the charges against you dropped.
The sooner you speak with an attorney after your arrest, the better. The details of the incident may fade over time, and you don’t want to agree to a plea deal before speaking with a lawyer.
The disruption a DUI causes your life starts before you’re ever convicted. Court appearances can strain an already busy schedule, causing you to miss work. Not only do you have to endure routine proceedings, but there’s the hassle of commuting to and from the court building.
A private DUI attorney can represent you in court, so you don’t have to spend your valuable time appearing in court for routine proceedings. Plus, you’ll have a legal expert handling the minutiae of your case while you focus on the more important things in your life.
Simply put, the court seldom exercises leniency against unrepresented defendants in DUI cases. Regardless of the circumstances or your BAC, the court will pursue the harshest punishment possible against you, which can include:
An experienced lawyer can keep you out of jail, save you money in court fines, and reduce the time of your license suspension. You still have options after you’re charged with a DUI.
If you’re charged with a DUI, a guilty conviction could be life-changing. Don’t settle for a plea deal before you talk with an experienced DUI attorney. I’m the attorney that Sacramento County and Northern California trust for criminal defense litigation. I can minimize the consequences of the charges or clear your name entirely.
As soon as you’re issued a criminal charge, call my office for a conversation that will change the way you think about your DUI.