Full Answer
The costs associated with an aggressive and experienced DUI Lawyer will vary depending on their qualifications. More than likely, the average cost of a DUI lawyer will land within the range of $4,000 – $10,000 depending on a lot of factors (1st offense?, misdemeanor or felony DUI?, will the case go to trial?, etc.).
Yes, you can be charged with DUI whether you are on the highway, on a street, or on private property. All that is required is that you be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired. If the officer didn't read me my rights, will my case be dismissed?
Impaired Driving1st Offense2nd OffenseJailMin. 24 hours to 10 daysMin. 30 days to 90 daysFines and Penalties$250 base fine$500 base fineLicense Suspension90 days to 1 year1 yearInterlock Ignition Device Required?YesYes
First offense: You will be jailed for not less than 10 consecutive days and fined not less than $1,250. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/treatment and to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device, and be ordered to perform community service.
The harsh consequences make it even more important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent your case. If your attorney has a reputation for fighting DUI charges and taking cases to trial, there’s a good chance the prosecutors will reduce the charges. If your case does go to trial, your attorney will do their best ...
If your case does go to trial, your attorney will do their best to create reasonable doubt surrounding breathalyzer results and the police officer’s testimony. Avoid lawyers who don’t put in the full effort to beat a DUI.
Attorney Jerry Beurkens is a Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney who has helped clients just like you either clear their name or reduce DUI or DWI sentencing. If you are interested in setting up a legal consultation, call our law firm at (616) 459-5344.
This includes the willingness to take a DUI case to trial and argue it before a jury. If you do not want to plead guilty or negotiate a plea bargain, you need a lawyer willing to fight for you.
Most DUI offenders should at least meet and consult with a DUI lawyer and determine the strength of the prosecution’s case against them. Unfortunately, given the complexity, the scientific evidence, and the experience needed to successfully argue a DUI defense, it’s important to find the right DUI lawyer, one who has the right training ...
With proper training and expertise, a DUI lawyer will be better able to properly cross- examine the police officer who administered the roadside tests or chemical test and prove if the test is reliable and valid.
Although many DUI offenders may believe it’s simply easier to plead guilty to their DUI charges, given the severe penalties and high fines, this is generally not a good idea. Most DUI offenders should at least meet and consult with a DUI lawyer and determine the strength of the prosecution’s case against them.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest complaints from DUI defendants is that they cannot get answers or speak directly to their lawyer. While all lawyers need a dedicate support staff to help with the details and paperwork of a DUI case, your lawyer should be readily available to answer your questions.
Unlike personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis, DUI lawyers will want payment upfront or through a payment plan. Make sure you understand the fees and total costs of your defense before hiring a lawyer.
Do some DUI cases need to be pleaded out? Of course, but too many DUI lawyers allow their clients to plead guilty without any real investigation of the DUI evidence. Make sure you hire a lawyer who believes pleading guilty is the last option, not the first.
One of the first questions you need to ask your potential attorney is about their background and experience. As there are many different types of criminal lawyers out there, finding an attorney that is experienced with DUI’s can be critical to your case and your outcome.
One of the most common questions that many individuals have when talking to any lawyer is: How much will this cost, and can I afford it? That’s why clarifying the billing and the fee schedule early on will help you prepare and understand how much you owe.
The most popular question that every DUI attorney gets is: What is going to happen to me? No attorney can give you a definite answer of what exactly will happen in your case. However, experienced DUI attorneys can provide you with feedback and options that are possible based on the facts of your situation.
One thing that all individuals who have been charged with a crime need to remember is the logistics behind the scenes are just as important as what is going on with the case. Knowing who is working on your behalf can provide you with clear communication and the peace of mind that your case is getting the dedication that you want and deserve.
DUI lawyers are dedicated to helping to preserve the rights of the accused. Look for a law firm that has made DUI defense a concentration of its practice. You will want a DUI attorney known not only for the dedication he or she provides to clients, but across the state for their work ethic and their DUI defense knowledge.
It is not only important to find an attorney who has handled a good number of cases, but one who is knowledgeable about the charges you face as well. A lawyer who has had experience handling clients facing similar charges can save you a lot of time and money and most likely find you a better outcome overall.
When it comes to defending a client in a criminal case, experience is key. There are numerous benefits to having an attorney who has practiced for many years and successfully represented a large number of clients. An experienced attorney can properly advise you on what to expect throughout all stages of the legal process. He or she will also have the ability to anticipate the strategies or actions of the prosecution and can use that to help build you a strong defense strategy.
In many ways, the best outcome you can have for your case is one that comes quickly. By negotiating to settle out of court through a plea bargain, your attorney may be able to help you avoid having to appear in court and appear before a judge and jury.
No lawyer should guarantee a specific result for your case and you should be wary of any attorney who makes promises about what the exact outcome will be. However, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney should be able to evaluate the preliminary information they are given about your case and make an assessment as to how it may likely play out. It is also important to find what your attorney thinks are the strengths and weaknesses of your case which will shape the defense strategy that he or she will devise.
Just as with the outcome of a case, no attorney can control every aspect of the legal process or guarantee exactly how the case will play out. However, your attorney should be able to devise a clear defensive strategy and a plan for how to proceed with your case.
A criminal trial is not only stressful, time consuming, and potentially costly, but also puts your fate in the hands of a judge and jury. Ask your attorney if you have the option of working out a fair plea bargain or if there are any other ways to avoid taking your case to court. 12.