what should i prepared for my attorney for a dui

by Prof. Cyrus Willms DVM 9 min read

A DUI attorney will be looking at evidence such as police reports and the conduct of the officers, plus your blood alcohol level and how and when it was obtained. These are important elements to your case that can help assist in having your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Have Documents and Other Evidence Prepared For Your Defense. The prosecution will be prepared with a written report from the arresting officer, the results of your blood sample and/or Breathalyzer tests, and all other evidence. You need to work with your defense attorney to obtain the necessary documents and evidence.Jul 24, 2014

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI?

Jan 22, 2021 · The most important step in preparing for a drunk driving/DUI/DWI case is to hire an experienced DUI/DWI attorney. A DUI/DWI conviction can have serious consequences that extend beyond driving issues. Many professions will not permit an individual with a DUI/DWI conviction to work for them. If an individual is facing DUI charges, it is important that they are familiar with …

When is the best time to hire a lawyer for a DUI?

Jul 28, 2020 · Your attorney will help you figure out the best course of action. Write Down the Events. Writing down the transpired events is one of the most important steps to take when figuring out how to prepare for your DUI court case hearing. This gives good information to the attorney to help you figure out your next steps, and it helps collect evidence.

How can a DUI attorney help me recover my driving privileges?

Jun 12, 2014 · First Things First: A DUI Lawyer Is A Necessity. The first thing to consider after being charged with a DUI in Orange County is your attorney. For all proceedings regarding your case, you should have a lawyer present and one who has years of experience handling drunk driving cases. They know the laws better than you do and can also work with the prosecution …

Should I hire a drunk driving attorney?

You also need to be prepared to provide the DUI lawyer or their staff with a copy of your police report, bail paperwork, previous offenses, if any, etc. They may ask you multiple questions for each question you ask them. For a free legal consultation, call (310) 928-9347. Ask Questions About Your Lawyer’s Experience.

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Call a DUI Defense Attorney

The first step to preparing for a DUI court case hearing is to get an attorney. If you are accused of driving under the influence, then the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact an experienced DUI attorney. Even if this accusation doesn’t seem like that big of a deal to you, it comes with major consequences.

Decide on Your Plea

From there, your attorney will walk you through the case’s steps. One of those steps is about your plea. At an arraignment, you will formally enter your plea, which will determine the next steps the case will make. There are two separate options:

Write Down the Events

Writing down the transpired events is one of the most important steps to take when figuring out how to prepare for your DUI court case hearing. This gives good information to the attorney to help you figure out your next steps, and it helps collect evidence. You’ll want to write down everything.

Have Documents and Evidence Prepared

If you and your attorney decide that it’s best to plead not guilty, then you’ll need to take the time to have documents and evidence prepared. The prosecution will have a lot together—a written report from officers, results from blood samples, and other evidence.

How long do you have to wait to get a hearing after a drunk driving arrest in California?

Speak with your attorney immediately about how you should proceed with the DMV hearing. As a defendant, you only have 10 days following your arrest to request a hearing. Beyond that, the DMV can impose whatever punishment they see fit, without your presence.

How long before court appearances?

Plan on arriving for any court appearances 45 minutes before they are scheduled. This allows for any delays in traffic and at the security check-point as you enter the building. You will want to leave some cushion to go over any last-minute details with your attorney before your proceedings begin.

Is drunk driving a serious offense?

Drunk driving is considered to be a serious offense. When you do appear in court you want the judge and prosecutor to see that you realize the seriousness of your charges. Dress appropriately. You don’t have to show up in a three-piece business suit, but you should wear a shirt and tie. For women defendants a professional-looking business suit with a minimal amount of make-up is ideal.

How many hours of community service do you need for a DUI?

Most DUI convictions will require that you complete at least 48 hours of community service. By starting a community service program before your court date, you will be able to get ahead of your sentence and greatly reduce the hours that you will have left to serve if you get convicted.

What is MADD in alcohol education?

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offers a Victim Impact Panel program. This program was designed to show the realities of drinking and driving. During VIP class, people who have been personally affected by someone who was driving under the influence will speak in from of the audience and share their story. This two-hour program can be very informative and educational. However, it is not a replacement for Alcohol Education Classes. You can learn more about these classes here.

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.

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.

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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