what a defense attorney will do in a dui case

by Lew White 3 min read

A DUI lawyer will advise you as you progress with your case and help you ensure that your defense case is as strong as it can be. Insurance companies often try to call you and trick you into admitting liability. By having a lawyer represent you, it will avoid you saying anything which could be incredibly detrimental to your case.

Your criminal defense attorney may defend your DUI charge by challenging the way law enforcement stopped, tested, and arrested you.

Full Answer

What does a DUI lawyer do in court?

A DUI lawyer’s job is to ensure that the outcome of the settlement or court case goes as much in your favor as it possibly can, by building a strong case in your defense. If you have been charged with driving under the influence or have any further questions concerning what a DUI lawyer can do for you, contact The Law Place in Florida today.

What kind of cases does a California DWI defense attorney handle?

Regardless how serious your case is, our experienced DUI defense attorney will carefully analyze the evidence to identify any issues that will contribute to a successful DUI defense. We know how government prosecutors and California courts operate and how to navigate the system for you. Our aggressive defense will help achieve the best possible results in your case.

Should I hire an attorneys specialized in DUI cases?

In every case where a DUI defendant is stopped at a roadblock, the DUI defense attorney must get the uniform policies in writing created by the police to handle the road block. Without uniform policies, the road block would be illegal, leading to potential suppression of the evidence and a dismissal of the DUI case.

What are successful DUI defenses?

Ideally, your DUI defense attorney will discover flaws at the very beginning when you were stopped or charged. Challenging your traffic stop or questioning the officer’s account that justified their “reasonable suspicion” can invalidate the charge, which is then dropped.

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What is the best defense for a DUI?

The Best DUI DefensesSuspect Not Given Opportunity to Contact an Attorney during the DUI Investigation. ... Breath Alcohol Testing Can Be Inaccurate. ... Illegal Stop of Person or Vehicle. ... Field Sobriety Test is Inaccurate or Invalid. ... No Evidence of Suspect Driving Vehicle or Being in Actual Physical Control.

What does the role of a defense attorney include?

Whether dealing with criminal or civil cases, a Defense Attorney is an advocate for the accused, responsible for protecting their client's interests. ... Defense Attorneys develop relationships with clients as they establish legal needs, provide counsel, help them understand their legal options.

How do you beat a DUI hearing?

To win a DMV DUI Hearing you usually must have one of the following examples:The police did not follow proper procedure with the breath or blood tests.You present convincing evidence the officer had no right to pull you over.You present proof that you were under .More items...

How do DUI lawyers work?

If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), a DUI lawyer will be able to offer you all the legal advice you may need. A DUI lawyer's job is to ensure that the outcome of the settlement or court case goes as much in your favor as it possibly can, by building a strong case in your defense.

What are the four roles of the defense?

Role of the Defense AttorneyAssessing the Case. A criminal defense attorney's role begins long before he sets foot in a courtroom for trial. ... Handling Pleas. ... Trying the Case. ... Public Defenders. ... Civil Defense Attorneys.Jun 29, 2018

What is one of the most important tasks of defense attorneys?

First and foremost, the most important job of your criminal defense attorney is to fight for you and defend you in the court of law. According to the American Bar Association, the primary responsibility of a criminal defense attorney is to advocate for their clients and defend their rights.Jul 8, 2021

What is the fine for a DUI in California?

For a first-offense DUI in California, consequences for conviction generally include three years of informal probation, fines of $390 plus “penalty assessments” (totally approximately $2000, and completing a first offender alcohol program that consists of a 30-hour class, at a cost of about $500.

What happens at a NC DMV hearing?

Instead of a judge, a hearing officer will preside. Both sides are permitted to present evidence and witnesses and you will be allowed to testify and answer questions about your driving history, focusing on the incident(s) that resulted in the suspension or revocation of your license.Feb 24, 2020

How serious is a DUI in California?

A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by 3 to 5 years of probation, $390.00 to $1000.00 in fines plus penalty assessments, DUI school, a 6-month driver's license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

Is a DUI a felony?

Generally, it's possible to be convicted of a DUI as a misdemeanor or a felony. A standard first offense is almost always going to be a misdemeanor. ... In some states, first and second DUI offenses are misdemeanors but a third or subsequent conviction is a felony.

What happens if a drunk driver kills someone?

Currently, in most such cases where drink driving results in death, the accused is booked under 304 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (causing death due to negligence), punishable with two year jail or fine or both.Feb 9, 2017

What is a DUI case?

It is a crime in every state for a motorist to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications. Depending on the state, the offense is called driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating under the influence (OUI), or a similar term.Dec 15, 2021

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 the most important thing a DUI defense attorney does?

While there is a heavy focus in this article on the courtroom stuff that lawyers are doing, one of the most important things a DUI defense attorney does is settlement negotiations.

What to do if you have a DUI in Florida?

If you need help with your DUI case, it’s always best to consult with an attorney. There is no substitute for a one-on-one consultation with a professional that can possibly turn your case around in your favor. DUI Defenses are the strategies your defense attorney will use to try and get out of a DUI in Florida.

What happens if a DUI is stopped at a roadblock?

In every case where a DUI defendant is stopped at a roadblock, the DUI defense attorney must get the uniform policies in writing created by the police to handle the road block. Without uniform policies, the road block would be illegal, leading to potential suppression of the evidence and a dismissal of the DUI case.

Can police entrap a driver into driving drunk?

In certain rare cases, the argument can be made that the police entrapped the driver into driving drunk. For this defense to be applicable, the defense will need to show that “but for” the police’s actions, the defendant would never have driven.

Is distracted driving more dangerous than drunk driving?

DISTRACTED DRIVING. We all know the dangers of distracted driving, such as driving while texting or talking on the phone. In fact, recent research suggest that driving distracted is more deadly than driving drunk. While distracted driving is never encouraged, this can be used as a defense against a DUI charge.

Can a lawyer attack a urine test?

There are a number of ways your defense lawyer can attack the results of a urine test. As we mention in other posts, urine tests really are weak science at best, and the quality of urine tests is far lower than the quality of blood tests.

Why did the police pull me over?

The Officer Pulled Me Over Because I Was In A Bad Neighborhood. It is not uncommon for police officers to pull over individuals merely because they are in a “high crime” neighborhood. However, the fact that a person is in a high crime area does not establish a legal basis for the stop.

Why is it important to have a DUI lawyer?

It is also important that the defense lawyer is trained in DUI-specific trial techniques in order to assert the trial defenses. Since the evidence is based on measurements, an expert DUI lawyer must be skilled in the science of metrology, which is the science of measurement.

What is the most common evidence for a DUI?

It contains the arresting officer’s observations about the defendant’s driving, behavior, and performance of field sobriety tests. Unlike 20 or even 10 years ago, most DUI arrests are now captured by police from their dashcams and bodycam; the latter which includes audio from the officer’s body. This footage became essential in evaluating and defending a DUI case.

What is the difference between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics?

Pharmacodynamics is the effect of alcohol and drugs on the body. Pharmacokinetics is defined as the movement, absorption, and elimination of alcohol and drugs in the body. These are subjects that are not taught in law school. A DUI defense will generally be considered a pre-trial or trial defense. It is also important that ...

When does alcohol in blood rise?

Immediately after consumption, the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood or breath first rises during the period of absorption, reaches a peak, and then falls during a period of elimination. State law punishes driving while under the influence or having an unlawful BAC at the time of driving, not after.

Who performs blood draw?

The blood draw is typically performed by a medical professional, who will have written a report. This is important. There will be paperwork that accompanies the blood specimen collection kit that should be evaluated. The blood analysis also creates a large volume of data, which must be reviewed in many cases.

Is DUI evidence scientific?

Law enforcement’s DUI investigation strategies have become standardized and taught to police all over the country. Despite this, the measurement of alcohol and drugs is extremely scientific.

What is an EBT test?

Most DUI cases result in an evidential breath alcohol test (EBT). Not only are these test results important, but so is the evaluation of all of the records that exist pertaining to the maintenance and testing of the breath test instrumentation.

Who handles evidence?

Evidence has to be handled properly by police officers and prosecutors. Otherwise, one can argue that the evidence could have been tampered with, unintentionally altered, or otherwise had flaws introduced.

Is a BAC blood test perfect?

Breathalyzers and even BAC blood tests are far from perfect. The device may not have been properly calibrated. The software may have flaws causing an improper reading. The officer (s) using the equipment may not be certified or trained to use it properly.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Can you represent yourself in a DUI 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 usually comes only with considerable experience. A lack of legal knowledge and trial skills will put you at a severe disadvantage in court. And judges typically have little patience for self-represented defendants who don't know the rules of court. 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.

What happens after a DUI arraignment?

Negotiations. After a DUI arraignment, the defense attorney and prosecutor will try to negotiate a resolution to avoid trial.

How long does it take to get arraigned for DUI?

Arraignments typically occur a few weeks after the arrest. DUI defendants usually do not have to go to arraignments as long as they retained an attorney to appear for them. It is at the arraignment that prosecutors give the defense attorney all their evidence (called “discovery”).

What happens if a defendant is found not guilty?

If the defendant is found not guilty, the case is instantly dismissed. Otherwise, the judge will sentence the defendant. Sometimes sentencing occurs immediately after the verdict is given. In more serious cases, a Nevada sentencing hearing is held on a separate day several weeks later.

What happens if the jury cannot agree?

They will then render a guilty or not guilty verdict. But if the jurors cannot unanimously agree, it is a “hung jury” and the judge will declare a “mistrial.”.

What does it mean to seal a criminal record?

“Sealing” means to make the record invisible to the public. When a criminal record may be sealed depends on the outcome of the original case.

How long does it take to get a speedy trial?

Note that all defendants have the right to a speedy trial within a few weeks after charges are filed. However, most defendants prefer to draw out the process to give their attorneys ample time to prepare their defense. Speedy trials typically only occur if the defendants are in jail unable to bail out. Trial.

What does a DUI lawyer do?

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.

What to know before hiring a DUI lawyer?

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.

Is it better to plead guilty to a DUI?

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.

Can a DUI defendant speak to their lawyer?

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.

Do DUI lawyers pay upfront?

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 DUI cases need to be pleaded out?

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.

Do DUI lawyers go to trial?

If your DUI lawyer is serious about fighting DUI cases they probably have a DUI case scheduled to go on trial. If they do this is your perfect chance to go to court and find out how well your potential lawyer performs.

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Arrest & Arraignment

Negotiations

  • After a DUI arraignment, the defense attorney and prosecutor will try to negotiate a resolution to avoid trial. The defense attorney’s first strategy is to try to get the entire case dismissed by showing that there is insufficient evidence to sustain a DUI conviction. Note that prosecutors rarely agree to dismiss DUI charges unless there is a glaring problem with their evidence. The de…
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Pretrial Phase

  • The DUI pretrial phase, which occurs alongside negotiations, is when the prosecution and defense prepare for trial. They interview witnesses, gather evidence, investigate, and strategize. They also file “pretrial motions” asking the judge to rule on various evidentiary or procedural issues prior to trial. Laughlin criminal defense attorneyMichael Becker gives an example: Note that misdemean…
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Trial

  • Note that defendants facing only a misdemeanor DUI charge do not have the right to a Nevada jury trial. Instead, they may have a Nevada bench trial, where the judge (“the bench”) renders the verdict. Meanwhile, defendants facing a felony DUI charge may elect to have eithera bench trial or a jury trial. Jury trials begin with jury selection (called “voir dire”). The trial then proceeds with bo…
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Sentencing

  • If the defendant is found not guilty, the case is instantly dismissed. Otherwise, the judge will sentence the defendant. Sometimes sentencing occurs immediately after the verdict is given. In more serious cases, a Nevada sentencing hearingis held on a separate day several weeks later. During the sentencing hearing, the defense presents “mitigating evidence” to show that the defe…
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Appeals

  • Convictions are not necessarily the end of a DUI case. Defendants may file a Nevada motion for a new trial if major errors may have occurred during the first trial. And/or they may file an appeal. Learn more about Nevada appeal laws.
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Sealing Records

  • Everyone has a police “record” which shows his/her arrests and criminal convictions. Potential employers who run background checks may choose not to hire people with criminal records. Therefore it is in defendants’ best interests to petition the court to “seal” their criminal record as quickly as possible. “Sealing” means to make the record invisible to the public. When a criminal r…
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DMV Hearings

  • Nevada DUI arrests create a case not just in criminal court…they also create a case in the Nevada DMV. But whereas criminal courts can levy fines and order jail, the only penalty the DMV can impose is a driver’s license suspension. However, it may be possible to contest the license suspension at a Nevada DMV hearing. Nevada DMV hearings are like “mini-trials” where the defe…
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Legal Representation in Nevada DUI Cases

  • DUI cases are extremely confusing and detail-oriented. Therefore it is recommended that DUI defendants hire private counsel to represent them. Public defenders have very high caseloads and often cannot give defendants personalized attention. And defendants who represent themselves lack the experience and skill to ensure a solid defense and protection of their rights.
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