You may think that you do not need an attorney after your first DUI arrest. Many times, people believe they do not have options and take whatever sentence is handed to them. However, besides assistance in defending your case, an attorney can assist in several situations you will be faced with after your DUI conviction. Here are a few other items to consider when making the decision to hire an attorney after your DUI.
Getting a DUI expert opinion
Once reviewing the details of your case, a lawyer can provide valuable information and offer perspectives you may not have been considering. There are many details of a DUI that if missed can cause you future problems.
You feel evidence is stacked against you
Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was high and there is testimony from the police officer that looks to confirm your conviction, you should have legal counsel with you to make sure everything has been submitted correctly. A first time DUI is not the time to miss critical details by not have an attorney with you.
Plea bargaining
If your situation is unique enough, it is best to have an attorney who is experienced speaking with prosecutors and knows which situations can cause a charge to be dropped to just reckless driving. A DUI lawyer can also work to have your sentence reduced by working out a plea deal.
A strong defense
A DUI case may not be as evident as it may seem. There can be many factors that come into play, from the results of a field sobriety test to other chemical tests. For example, a balancing test could have negative results based on the shoes you were wearing or even problems with your inner ear. If you were not abiding to your right to remain silent during your arrest, having a skilled DUI lawyer with you can help interpret things you said.
A DUI conviction should be taken very seriously and can have a lasting effect on your daily life for a long time. So why would you want to endure a DUI case alone and not have a DUI expert on your side?