January 30, 2019
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, you may be wondering what comes next. You are likely also considering whether to retain a criminal defense attorney to assist you with any criminal charges that you may be facing. What exactly does a DUI lawyer do? Is a lawyer worth the expense? Will my lawyer actually help me fight my charges? Before you retain any attorney, you should figure out the answers to these questions. Below we discuss many benefits associated with retaining an experienced attorney to help you fight DUI charges.
A DUI Lawyer Can Provide You With Valuable Advice
Do you know how to proceed after you’ve been accused of a DUI? It’s not just about how you present yourself in court. You may also, for example, want to avoid posting on social media about the accusations. If you do choose to post, it’s important to avoid posting anything that could be considered incriminating (for example, a photo of you drinking right before your arrest). You should also carefully consider what you say in court, how you present yourself, and how you interact with the judge, the opposing lawyer, and anyone else involved in your case.
A DUI Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Freedoms
It’s not always possible to avoid a DUI conviction. Sometimes, the judge has proof that you were driving under the influence: a blood test or breathalyzer, for example. In some cases, however, a DUI lawyer may be able to help protect your freedom. Consider these benefits of working with a DUI lawyer:
- A lawyer can help you ask for a lighter sentence. If this is your first conviction or if your case involves extenuating circumstances, you may be able to get off with a lighter sentence, even if you’re convicted. For example, an attorney may secure a reduced fine, keep you out of jail, or ensure that you keep your license.
- A lawyer may be able to prove that evidence wasn’t collected legally. Maybe the officer who arrested you assumed that you were driving under the influence, but never saw you drinking or found any evidence that would support a DUI conviction. Perhaps you refused to submit to a blood or breath test, but the officer conducted the test anyway. If the evidence against you wasn’t collected legally, a lawyer may be able to have your charges dismissed entirely.
A DUI Lawyer Can Protect Your Finances
Hiring a lawyer seems like an expensive proposition. In fact, many people try to represent themselves in an effort to save money. However, you may ultimately end up saving money by hiring a lawyer to represent you. He or she may be able to help keep you out of jail, reduce the fines you’ll have to pay, and decrease the overall expenses associated with your DUI case.
Do You Need a DUI Lawyer?
If you’ve been accused of drinking and driving, it’s important to start working with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will focus on protecting your freedoms and your finances. If you’re facing criminal charges associated with drinking and driving, call the Khonsari Law Group today at (727) 269-5300, or contact us online, to schedule a free consultation and to discuss the details of your case with one of our seasoned criminal defense attorneys.