When you’re charged with a DUI, it can feel like a hopeless situation. However, there are lawyers who specialize in defending people charged with a DUI. Here are some facts about DUI attorneys.
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1. DUI Charges Vary
Penalties for DUI charges vary by state. Some states are relatively lenient and others are harsher. Because of this, it’s important you bring support into your defense. A DUI attorney based in Arizona will be experienced in Arizona laws and how to argue your case. Because an attorney with experience defending DUI cases is intimately familiar with his or her state’s DUI laws, he or she will be able to help you build a solid defense and work to get your charges or penalties reduced.
2. Free Consultations
Free consultations are a common service DUI attorneys provide for prospective clients. You can take advantage of a free consultation to meet the attorney, determine whether you’re compatible and ask any questions you have before committing to working with him or her. You can also use this time to explain what happened and include any necessary details of the event. It’s important that you be able to make an informed decision when hiring a lawyer to defend you.
3. Plea Deals
Many DUI cases end in a plea deal. Your DUI attorney will likely suggest you look into a plea deal in order to reach a compromise and minimize the penalty rather than go to trial and risk conviction. The goal of a DUI attorney is to reduce the time you need to spend dealing with the case and avoid the worst penalties like incarceration. There are different types of plea deal depending on how many prior DUIs convictions the defendant has been charged with. If a first DUI conviction would normally result in a $1000 fine, a potential plea deal might reduce that fine to $500. Additionally, sometimes a DUI can be reduced to a reckless driving charge through a plea deal.
4. The Defense
There are a few common avenues DUI lawyers will typically take when defending you. Often, the goal is to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. DUI lawyers will look for deviations in arrest protocol, the legality of the initial traffic stop and blood alcohol test results, among other things. Typically, the first thing an attorney will do is file a motion for discovery, which requires the state to turn over all evidence it has on the case for the attorney to study.
5. Questions To Ask
There are several questions you should ask when you’re thinking of hiring a DUI attorney. Ask about the attorney’s background and training. How many DUI cases has he or she argued? Does he or she have advanced training or education in DUI law? Is he or she familiar with the prosecutor for your case? Be sure to ask about fees, too. Finally, ask about the attorney’s opinion on your case’s outcomes after you explain the details.
If you have been charged with a DUI, make sure you consult an attorney who specializes in defending this type of charge. Find someone with extensive experience to handle your case.
