DUI is an acronym for “driving under the influence,” although some states use DWI, meaning “driving while intoxicated.” In addition to being against the law, DUI is dangerous and puts everyone on the road around you at risk.
The penalties for DUI include driver’s license suspension and possible jail term. Suppose you’re arrested and charged with DUI in Piedmont, it’d be best to contact a DUI lawyer to know your rights and work towards minimizing or dismissing the charges.
An experienced DUI attorney in Piedmont has expertise in employing legal nuances that can alleviate your stress and the potential severity of the punishment. Let us explore who a DUI attorney is, their benefits, and tips for hiring a DUI attorney in Piedmont.
Who is a DUI Attorney?
A DUI attorney is technically a criminal defense lawyer with specialized training and experience in cases regarding drivers charged with DUI.
Additionally, DUI attorneys help their clients understand the charges they’re facing, draw a legal strategy, represent their client in court, and handle any administrative task that concerns the case.
Should you get an attorney for a first DUI case? A first DUI offense is often a misdemeanor charge, meaning the court usually has a standard sentence.
If there’s evidence against an individual like proof of a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit, failed field sobriety tests, and witness statements, it may be challenging to determine if they could get a reduced sentence.
Many offenders decide to plead guilty in cases like this. However, if you have evidence of your innocence or are facing severe penalties, a lawsuit defense attorney will offer great help.
Benefits of Hiring a DUI Attorney
There are several reasons people hire a lawyer for their DUI cases. Some feel they were falsely accused and want to win their case (prove their innocence), while others want to reduce the adverse effects that the charges will have on their professional and personal life.
With their experience and knowledge, DUI lawyers minimize the stress defendants face during a DUI case. Here are some reasons to hire a DUI lawyer.
1. Free Consultations
A DUI attorney is often seen as a free consultation lawyer since they offer free consultations where you explain your case and they provide you with legal options. This consultation helps you decide whether to hire a lawyer or not.
Some DUI attorneys charge a consultation fee and later add it to your legal fees if you hire them, while others offer a free consultation.
Therefore, find out if the consultation is free or not. After the talk, you can choose to hire that particular attorney depending on your comfort level with them.
2. A Lighter Sentence
An experienced and knowledgeable DUI lawyer understands Piedmont DUI court information, precedents, laws, and standards.
A DUI lawyer can help build a strong case in your defense with their expertise. Furthermore, a strong case can result in the complete dismissal of the DUI charges or a lighter sentence in some cases.
3. Get Your License Back
The judge will likely suspend or revoke your driver’s license when you have DUI charges. If you don’t contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) California after a DUI arrest within ten days of arrest to request a DMV hearing, you’ll lose the legal right to a DMV hearing.
A DUI lawyer will ask for the DMV hearing on your behalf and work towards getting your license back.
4. Save Money
At first, hiring a DUI attorney may seem very expensive, but you will save more in the long haul. A skilled DUI lawyer is good at navigating the legal system in a way that can lead to less time in court and a shorter trial. As a result, you will save time and money in the courtroom.
Pro Tips for Hiring a DUI Attorney in Piedmont
Hiring the right DUI lawyer is crucial for attaining a fair outcome for your case and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Therefore, here are some tips for hiring a DUI lawyer.
- Reconsider Public Defenders
Typically, a criminal defendant has the right to legal representation by public defenders. Public defenders are usually free of charge and can defend your case since they’re familiar with the state’s DUI laws and have good legal experience.
Nevertheless, think twice about accepting a public defender because they have several caseloads and may not give you adequate attention. They only represent you in criminal matters and may not provide legal guidance.
On the other hand, a private attorney helps you with criminal cases and gives legal advice on DMV matters like keeping your license.
- Be Honest
The documents may not reveal everything your potential attorney needs to know, so get ready to give sincere answers to questions.
Don’t withhold any information; otherwise, you might get an inaccurate assessment of how your case will turn out.
- Base Your Selection on Comfort and Confidence
Finding the appropriate DUI attorney comes down to their confidence and your level of comfort with them. Some DUI attorneys may not seem confident about winning your case, but you feel comfortable with them.
On the other hand, you might find someone optimistic about winning the case, but they don’t suit your personality well.
It is vital to find someone who’s both confident, and you’re comfortable with since your appearance in court as a team for trial or plea bargain determines the outcome of your case.
Conclusion
Are you wondering if you need a DUI lawyer or not? A knowledgeable DUI attorney will help you navigate your legal matters and offer peace of mind.
One significant benefit of working with a DUI lawyer is that they have excellent communication skills to negotiate with prosecutors and a thorough understanding of DUI laws.
Ensure you search for good lawyers near me when finding a criminal defense lawyer and incorporate these tips on hiring a DUI attorney in Piedmont to guide you in choosing the appropriate attorney for your case.