What to Expect After Hiring a DUI Attorney The main benefit of obtaining legal representation following a DUI arrest or criminal charge is that your attorney will get to work right away protecting your rights, requesting a DUI hearing with the DMV, and preparing your defense. You do have the right to represent yourself in your California DUI case.
Full Answer
There are two ways to generally beat the rap on a D.U.I. Taking the case to a trial and winning a not guilty verdict (or having the case dismissed on a legal ruling such as the officer conducting an illegal traffic stop).
The short answer is: yes, you should definitely hire a DUI attorney to defend you because if you're not familiar with California DUI law, it will be difficult for you to properly defend yourself. The DUI Attorneys at The H Law Group have extensive experience defending those who have been charged with drunk driving.
To fully reinstate your driving privilege with no restrictions, you must serve your full suspension or restriction, provide the DMV with proof of completion of a DUI program and provide proof of insurance (SR 22). You will be required to maintain the SR 22 for 3 years.
For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, a DUI attorney generally costs in the ballpark of $1,500 to $5,000. A California DUI Lawyer Association (CDLA) Specialist often starts at $2,500 – $4,500. Immediately get a free online DUI attorney consultation form – click now for a $1,000 Discount.
In short, a DUI attorney helps their client understand the specific charges they are facing, help them to decide on a legal strategy, handle any administrative tasks involved with the case, and represent their client in court.
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.
A DMV DUI hearing is an administrative hearing held at a DMV office (not a criminal court). The sole issue in this hearing is whether or not your driver's license will be suspended as a result of your having been arrested for DUI. If you are arrested in California for drunk driving, the arresting officer will.
If you want to find a DUI lawyer, just look around – at billboards, TV ads, the sides of buses, and so on. There’s no shortage of attorney advertising in Colorado Springs (take a drive down Platte and you’ll see plenty!).
Like most people charged with DUI in Colorado Springs, you’ve probably never needed a criminal defense lawyer – or any kind of lawyer – before. But you need to hire one now, and you need to do it fast. Where do you look?
When hiring a DUI attorney, treat your first meeting or phone call with someone you’re considering like you are interviewing someone for a critical job – because you are. Ask questions so you have the information you need to make an informed choice, such as:
The United States and Colorado constitutions provide that if you can’t afford a defense attorney when facing DUI charges, you have the right to representation by a public defender at no cost to yourself.
With so much at stake, the importance of making the right choice when hiring a DUI attorney cannot be overstated. By avoiding the foregoing mistakes, you can make a thoughtful decision and get a Colorado Springs DUI attorney on your side who has the skill and commitment to help you put the matter behind you so you can move forward with your life.