when to hire an attorney for dui

by Mr. Donavon Champlin 7 min read

When to Hire a DUI Lawyer. The majority of DUI cases are handled without legal representation. However, because a DUI charge is very serious, you should strongly consider hiring a DUI attorney. Consider hiring a DUI lawyer when: This is NOT your first DWI arrest. Someone is injured or killed as a result of your DUI. You believe that you're not guilty.

You Need an Attorney to Go to Trial
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.

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer for a DUI?

In short, the best time to hire a DUI attorney is as soon as you can following your arrest. In some cases, you might need one representing you just so you can post bail or bond to get out of jail while you await trial.

Do you have to hire a lawyer before meeting with a prosecutor?

Can a public defender help with a DUI case?

How do I negotiate a standard offer for a DUI case?

 · Your best defense, if you are a first time offender is to hire the best lawyer possible to represent you. They understand that a defendant that meets certain criteria is an excellent candidate for a first time offender DUI ruling. Have You Had Multiple DUI's? Multiple DUIs are something to be concerned with.

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Can you fight a DUI in Canada?

Successfully getting DUI charges dropped in Canada before trial is rare, but skilled lawyers can strategize effective defence efforts that can result in acquittals, withdrawn charges, reduced charges, mitigated penalties, or dismissal. Strategies for beating DUI charges in Ontario follow.

How much is a DUI lawyer in California?

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.

How do you beat a DUI in Virginia?

Virginia DUI Defenses: 8 Defense Strategies to Beat a DUI ChargeDefenses Against DUI Charges in Virginia. ... Lack of Reasonable Suspicion. ... Lack of Probable Cause. ... Challenging a DUI Field Sobriety Test. ... Challenging the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test. ... Challenging the Breath Test. ... Challenging the Blood Test.More items...•

How do you beat a DUI in Maryland?

Maryland DUI Defense OptionsChallenge the Stop– In order to pull you over for suspicion of driving under the influence, the police must have probable cause. ... Challenge the Breath Test Results– If your breath test results are the main evidence against you we can challenge the validity of them.More items...

What happens when you get a DUI for the first time 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.

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI in California?

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you may be wondering whether you need an attorney for a first offense DUI? 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.

What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in Virginia?

However, you should know that in Virginia, there is no difference between the two. The confusion between the terms DUI and DWI may stem from the text of the statute itself. Virginia Code § 18.2-266 contains a reference to driving while intoxicated as well as a reference to being under the influence of alcohol.

How long can a DUI case be continued in NC?

Notwithstanding the above rules, no criminal case shall be continued beyond 90 days from the first court date without court approval, and further; DWI cases shall not be continued in violation of N.C.G.S. 20-28.

Can a DWI be reduced in NC?

Most courts across North Carolina are unlikely to offer or agree to a reduction from a DWI charge to a reckless driving charge. However, if you also received a traffic citation in addition to your DWI charge, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you get those charges reduced or dropped.

How do you get a DUI dismissed in Maryland?

Motion to Dismiss a DUI in MarylandLack of probable cause to arrest the client.Not providing proper discovery.Not having been brought the case within the statute of limitations for DUI cases.Other procedural issues.

What happens when you get a DUI for the first time in Maryland?

For a first offense, you face up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Twelve (12) points will be assessed on your driving record and your license may be revoked for up to six (6) months. For a second offense, you face a $2,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment (with a mandatory minimum of five days).

How many points do you get for a DUI in Maryland?

A driver who is convicted of a DWI will get 8 points, making him/her eligible for a license suspension. A driver who is convicted of a DUI will get 12 points, making him/her eligible for license revocation.

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 Martindale Nolo?

Nolo is a part of the Martindale Nolo network, which has been matching clients with attorneys for 100+ years.

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 can a DUI attorney help a prosecutor?

Experienced DUI attorneys can often whittle down the standard offer by pointing out weaknesses in the prosecution's case or bringing mitigating factors to the prosecutor's attention. An attorney's familiarity with local practices, the district attorney, and the judge can also help with these types of negotiations.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

Most defendants see the price as the major drawback with private lawyers. 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.)

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 ).

Is it Your First DUI Offense?

Many people do not realize that courts still give substantial leniency on first offense DUI charges. Although some states have become more strict in their leniency standards, there are still some courts that will give first time offenders the benefit of the doubt.

Have You Had Multiple DUI's?

Multiple DUIs are something to be concerned with. More and more states are becoming highly restrictive on their leniency toward DUIs as cases in which a vehicle accident and the loss of life have become a major issue.

Do You Have Multiple DUI Charges?

Often, a DUI charge is compounded with other charges such as reckless endangerment, property damage, or any number of other additional charges. When multiple charges come into play you have the potential to have your sentencing run consecutive in which every charge will carry its own length of sentence.

How To Hire a DUI Lawyer

The average person charged with a DUI may not have adequate experience in hiring a lawyer for this type of case. DUI cases can be remarkably tricky to effectively manage as there are many factors that go into a case. When hiring a DUI lawyer, your first instinct might be to simply look at pricing, but that should never be your motivation.

Is the Crime a DUI or a DWI?

A DUI stands for drinking under the influence. DWI charges mean drinking while impaired.

When to Call a DUI Attorney

Since DUI cases go to criminal court, the court will appoint a lawyer if you don’t have a defense attorney yourself. Court-appointed lawyers are known as public defenders.

How long does an ALS stay in effect in Ohio?

Once imposed, an ALS typically remains in effect for three months to a year. Worse, it remains in effect until a judge lifts it even if the DUI case is dismissed before the statutory ALS period expires.

How long does it take to get arraigned for driving under the influence?

You will be arraigned within hours or days of being brought into custody, and you may or may not proceed to sentencing at that time. If you plead not guilty at your arraignment (which you should in order to get a chance to mount a defense or explore a plea deal), you will need to go to court for at least one pretrial, possibly a hearing for decisions on motions filed in relation to your case, as well as a trial if no resolution is reached.

What do you say in court?

What you say and do in a courtroom determines the course of the rest of your life. Your attorney will advise you on how to speak and act in ways that increase your odds of leaving as a free person.

Is driving under the influence a criminal offense?

Driving Under the Influence is a Criminal Offense. You should hire an attorney for a DUI case because doing so gives you your best chance of not spending time in jail, not having your driver’s license suspended, and/or not paying several thousand dollars in fines and fees. Also, in most states, a DUI conviction will remain on your record for life.

Can a DUI case be won?

The First Plea Deal Offered by the Prosecutor is Probably Not the Best You Can Expect. Expanding on that last point, “winning” a DUI case is not always possible. In fact, never trust a lawyer who guarantees you will be acquitted or have your case dismissed. The best any lawyer can promise is to work hard on your behalf.

Can a DUI lawyer appeal an ALS?

An experienced Columbus DUI defense lawyer will know how to quickly and successfully appeal an ALS. Making use of this service will be especially important for a commercial truck or delivery driver because getting your CDL suspended usually means getting fired.

Is a DUI case complicated?

DUI cases are complicated. You can make this complex ity work for you, but doing that will be much easier when you partner with a Columbus DUI lawyer whose only job is to achieve the best outcome for you.

What is a DUI lawyer?

A DUI lawyer understands your state’s DUI laws. Some states offer certification to lawyers who pass specific tests related to DUI law. Regardless, an experienced DUI attorney will know the best arguments to make in your court system to dismiss or reduce your charge.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

The cost will depend on your lawyer's fee structure and the work required for your case. DUI lawyers usually charge a flat fee or on an hourly rate. If you’re looking for a plea bargain, lawyers’ fees usually range from $750 to $2,000, while going to trial can be as much as $25,000. The actual cost will depend on the complexity of your case.

How do I find a DUI lawyer?

There are several ways to find a DUI lawyer in your area. You can ask for a recommendation for people you trust, like your general practice lawyer or even the court clerk's office, or search online

How long will it take to resolve my case?

A DUI case can last anywhere from one week to over a year. The length depends on the complexity of your case, your court system's schedule, and how you plead. Remember that just because you have a quick legal resolution to your case, a DUI is a criminal offense that carries long-term consequences, even if you are a first time offender.

Putting Your Trust in a Billboard

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!).

Not Doing Your Homework

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?

Not Asking The Right Questions

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:

Relying on a Public Defender in Colorado Springs

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.

Make The Right Choice When Hiring a DUI Attorney in Colorado Springs

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.

RETAINING A LAWYER EARLY MAKES ANY PAYMENT PLAN EASIER

When you hire a lawyer, amongst the items to be discussed is how much will be charged. Most clients (no matter what their jobs are) prefer a payment plan. It is much easier paying off a retainer over the course of 10 months than over 4 months. At Aitken Robertson we offer payment plans with no interest charged.

THE LAWYER CAN ATTEND COURT FOR YOU

If you don’t have a lawyer you may need to attend Court for the routine adjournments and other matters that require attendance. Whether the lawyer is able to do that in person or remotely, it saves the client the time and worry about trying to sort it out themselves.

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Is The Crime A DUI Or A DWI?

  • A DUI stands for drinking under the influence. DWI charges meandrinking while impaired. States that define DWIs as intoxicated instead of impaired mayinterpret DUIs the same as DWIs. You can always review your state’sdriving statutes online. DUI charges go beyond alcohol intoxication to include drug use. Thus,someone driving under the influence of drugs could be arrested for aDUI…
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What Type of Crime Is A DUI?

  • DUIs are misdemeanors or felonies. The severity of the crime has a significant impact on the seriousnessof the charge. For example, if your actions led to an injury orfatality, you would be charged with a felony DUI or manslaughter. The number of DUI offenses also matters. In some states, the firstDUI or DWI charge is a misdemeanor. Yet, any subsequent DUI charges willbe fel…
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When to Call A DUI Attorney

  • Since DUI cases go to criminal court, the court will appoint a lawyerif you don’t have a defense attorney yourself. Court-appointed lawyersare known as public defenders. While public defenders have experience, they may not be the rightsolution for your case. Every DUI charge is unique, with its own set ofcircumstances, evidence, and defenses. If yo...
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Get A Fighter For Your Case

  • Are you worried about your legal case? Hire a DUI attorney who understands your case inside and out.Understand the difference between DWIs and DUIs. Plus, don’t forget tocall a lawyer as quickly as possible. Stay ahead of the game by keeping informed. Follow the blog for thelatest tips for life’s biggest challenges.
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