dui nad how a criminal attorney can help me win my case

by Tierra Stoltenberg II 8 min read

A criminal defense attorney can use legal procedure to your advantage so that you are in the best possible position to prevail at trial. Here are some steps that can be taken to help you win your DUI trial: Discovery requests to obtain all of the evidence against you that the prosecution intends to use

Full Answer

Is it worth it to hire a private lawyer for DUI?

how much do dui lawyers charge Involved in the course of a DUI case could be a traumatic experience that results in losing not just the freedom of your own life, but also your driving privileges as well as future job opportunities as well as auto insurance payment as well as criminal records and numerous […]

Can I represent myself in court for a DUI charge?

Sep 30, 2019 · Hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney can level the playing field and significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome. The Cincinnati DUI defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates can provide you with a pro-active, aggressive DUI defense. With over 10 years of experience, we know what it takes to win your DUI trial.

What kind of attorney do I need for a DUI case?

Your lawyer can subpoena the arresting officer to appear at the DMV hearing. This last one is one way in which the hearing really can help your court case. Normally, the officer only makes two statements: one in their arrest report, and one month later at trial. You don’t get a chance to interrogate them in between.

Can a public defender represent you in a DUI case?

When you hire a private DUI lawyer, it's typically to represent you in DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period. Most defendants see the price as the major drawback with private lawyers. Hiring a private DUI lawyer ...

Getting A Lawyer's Opinion About Your Case

It’s difficult for someone with no legal experience or training to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a DUI case. DUI law is complicated and co...

Cases Where Hiring An Attorney Might Not Be Worth It

Prosecutors usually have a standard first-offense plea offer. In other words, they offer everyone with a standard first DUI the same plea deal—whic...

You Need An Attorney to Go to Trial

Though you’re entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it’s almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usua...

What is docket call?

A docket call or calendar call is an administrative discussion between the judge and all parties regarding the scheduling of trials and pre-trial hearings.

How to defend against DUI?

Help Your Drunk Driving Defense Case with Six Simple Steps. 1. Alcohol and drug assessment (and possible treatment) prior to going to trial. Once arrested for a DUI-DWI offense, most police officers assume that you may have an alcohol or drug problem. The same may be true for your employer, or even family or friends.

What happens if you are found guilty of a DUI?

Finally, if you are found guilty of the DUI-DWI offense, attendance of the DUI-DWI school typically will be part of your sentence. If you have already successfully completed the school that is one less thing you have to do when the case is resolved in court.

How many hours of community service is required for a DUI?

Most DUI-DWI statutes require some community service work as a part of their mandatory punishment scheme. These statutes require a “minimum” number of hours, depending on whether your offense is a first, second or subsequent offense within the proscribed “look back” period.

What is the legal process of arrest?

The legal process involves several steps that require you to clear your schedule. Some of these times include appointments when you will meet with your lawyer, your investigator or possibly your expert witnesses. You will likely have to go to the scene of your arrest for several reasons.

What does "not guilty" mean in court?

The arraignment is when the full, formal charges are read to you and your “response” to these charges entered. You can say “guilty,” “not guilty,” or offer to plead “no contest” (nolo contendere) to the charges, or you can stand mute and the judge will direct the clerk to enter a “not guilty” plea on your behalf.

What happens in a DUI trial?

Ultimately, the outcome of your DUI trial is either an acquittal or a guilty verdict. However, there are many critical steps leading up to the trial, some of which can make or break your case. Criminal procedure is complicated, and the prosecution will take full advantage of your lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the law. A criminal defense attorney can use legal procedure to your advantage so that you are in the best possible position to prevail at trial. Here are some steps that can be taken to help you win your DUI trial: 1 Discovery requests to obtain all of the evidence against you that the prosecution intends to use 2 Pre-trial motions to exclude evidence or dismiss charges 3 Jury selection to ensure a fair and impartial trial 4 Aggressive negotiation of any proposed plea agreements

Why is it important to have a criminal defense attorney?

A criminal defense attorney can use legal procedure to your advantage so that you are in the best possible position to prevail at trial.

Is a DUI case open and shut?

First, you need to understand that no DUI case is open-and-shut, no matter what the prosecution would like you to believe. However, as we mentioned above, your chances of winning your DUI trial are fairly small if you are not represented by counsel. There are two main reasons for this: Bias. There is a stigma that attaches simply by being charged ...

What to do if you have been charged with DUI?

If you’ve been charged with DUI, the best thing you can do is to speak with Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP right away. Contact the DUI defense attorneys at (513) 338-1890 to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help you.

Is a DUI a stigma?

There is a stigma that attaches simply by being charged with DUI, and jurors are already biased against drunk drivers. Professional witnesses. The prosecution will rely upon testimony from police officers and lab technicians who are trained in how to testify in court.

What happens if you are arrested for DUI?

When you are arrested for DUI, the police notify the DMV which immediately starts a process to suspend your license. This is known as Admin Per Se license suspension (APS). This is not a criminal process, but an administrative one. This means they do not wait until you receive a verdict in your court case.

Is a DMV hearing separate from a DUI?

In California, the DMV hearing is completely separate from your DUI charge. The two can affect each other, but winning your DMV hearing will not in and of itself help you win at court.

Can you be found innocent at the DMV?

No, because the DMV doesn’t find anyone “innocent” or “guilty.” They will never make a determination as to whether you did or did not drive drunk. That is not the purpose of a DMV hearing.

What happens after a preliminary hearing?

After the preliminary hearing and before a criminal case goes to trial, the prosecutor and the defense attorney usually appear before a criminal court judge and make pre-trial motions -- arguments that certain evidence should be kept out of the trial, that certain persons must or cannot testify, or that the case should be dismissed altogether.

What is a pre trial motion?

What Are Pre-Trial Motions? As their name implies, pre-trial motions are requests made by either attorney prior to the trial to limit the amount of evidence a jury or judge will hear. Pre-trial motions are tools used by the government and the defense in an effort to set the boundaries for trial, should one take place.

What is a public defender?

Public defenders handle a large number of criminal cases, including lots of DUIs. So, most public defenders are quite familiar with DUI law and defenses. Public defenders are generally well acquainted with the district attorneys and judges and know their tendencies—knowledge that can be beneficial for plea bargaining.

How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer?

Hiring a private DUI lawyer will generally cost you between $1,000 and $5,000. If your case goes to trial, it can be even more expensive. (And there are cases where spending the money for a private lawyer won't get you a more favorable outcome than had you gone with the public defender.)

Is driving under the influence a crime?

Driving under the influence is considered a crime in every state. So, DUI charges are handled in criminal court. You have a right to represent yourself in criminal court. But most defendants either hire a private lawyer or are represented by a public defender appointed by the court.

What is a standard first DUI?

Generally, an offense is considered a "standard first DUI" if the offender has no prior DUI convictions and the offense didn't involve any aggravating factors such as accidents, injuries, or a particularly high blood alcohol concentration ( BAC ).

Do all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney?

Generally, all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford to hire your own lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. Appointed attorneys are normally from a public defender's office.

What does a private DUI lawyer do?

Private Lawyers. When you hire a private DUI lawyer, it's typically to represent you in DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period.

Should I have an attorney for a DUI?

The bottom line is you don't want to try a DUI case on your own—if you're going to trial, you should have an attorney. Protect Yourself. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case. Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area. Practice Area.

How to get a DUI case?

DUI and Criminal Attorney Will Help You to Get the Best Result for Your DUI Case 1 Get your Immediate Consultation Now 2 Free Case Review from an Attorney 3 Direct phone Contact with a DUI Lawyer 4 Responsibility for Results 5 Aggressive Representation

What is the DMV process?

The DMV process allows a single employee of the DMV, not an attorney, to make a decision that will affect the accused throughout the rest of his or her life. Moreover, the hearing can be based on a single 4-page document that will be used instead of testimony to take driver’s license away.

How long does it take to get a DMV hearing?

After the arrest, a driver has only 10 days, to request an administrative per se DMV hearing.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

It is not uncommon to hear that some lawyers will charge as little as $500.00 to represent defendants in court. On the other hand, it is also possible to hire an attorney who values his services extremely high and to pay $10,000.00 or more for even the pretrial representation.

Beaverton Defense Attorney

I have extensive experience as a Beaverton defense attorney in the Portland area. While my office is in Beaverton, I can represent you or your loved ones throughout the Portland area if you’ve been charged with a crime. That includes all of Washington and Multnomah counties.

A Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

Being charged with a crime, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, is a very difficult experience for anyone to go through. Hiring an excellent legal defense attorney can lighten the heavy load on your shoulders. I’ll always treat you with the utmost respect. Many people make mistakes or are charged unfairly.

More Than Just A Beaverton Defense Lawyer

I’m more than just your run-of-the-mill Beaverton criminal defense attorney. I have worked in law for more than 12 years, including six years working specifically as a Beaverton defense attorney. When it comes to criminal law, I’ve seen just about everything there is.

What Are Pre-Trial Motions?

  • As their name implies, pre-trial motions are requests made by either attorney prior to the trial to limit the amount of evidence a jury or judgewill hear. Pre-trial motions are tools used by the government and the defense in an effort to set the boundaries for trial, should one take place. Pre-trial motions typically address the following issues: 1. What physical evidence and testimon…
See more on findlaw.com

What Arguments Are Made During Pre-Trial Motions?

  • While specific possibilities are endless, following are some examples of pre-trial motions that might be made in a DUI case: 1. The defense asks the judge to keep out of the case ("exclude") marijuana "joints" that the defense argues was obtained through an illegal searchof the defendant's car. 2. The defense argues that a confession made by the defendant should be excl…
See more on findlaw.com

Can My Lawyer Make A Motion to Strike My Prior DUI Conviction?

  • Maybe. This motion asks the court to make it so that any prior convictions from the last ten years or so are not taken into account when deciding your sentence. As you might expect, the penalty goes up with each additional DUI you get.
See more on findlaw.com

Have Questions About DUI Pre-Trial Motions? Ask An Attorney

  • There are a number of ways an attorney can help you either win your case or get the best outcome possible, including through the use of pre-trial motions. Learn more about your case and possible legal strategies by consulting with a qualified DUI attorneynear you today.
See more on findlaw.com