If you have been charged with DUI, it’s critical that you contact an attorney as quickly as possible. Taking such a step may prevent you from saying or doing anything that could result in a conviction or some other poor outcome in your case.

An Attorney Can Be with You During Questioning

Your criminal defense attorney can sit with you during questioning to ensure that you don’t say anything that might help the government prove its case. An attorney may also be able to shut down any line of questioning that violates state law or your rights under the Constitution. Legal counsel may also reduce the risk that you’re asked to sign a confession or take other actions that could be used as evidence against you.

Legal Counsel Can Leverage Relationships

There is a possibility that your attorney will have a working relationship with the judge and prosecutor in your case. Assuming that your counselor has a reputation for being a professional, it may make it easier to negotiate a favorable plea deal in your case.

This is because judges and prosecutors have an interest in rehabilitating defendants as part of an effort to keep the community safe. Therefore, your attorney may work with the government to get you into treatment as opposed to spending months or years in prison.  

If that isn’t an option, an attorney might be able to negotiate a deal that minimizes the amount of time that you spend away from friends and loved ones. A plea deal might also be structured so that you can get your license back in a timely manner so that you can go to work or school. It might also ensure that you can adequately care for your kids or pets.

The Case Might Be Dismissed

Instead of helping to get a favorable plea deal, your lawyer may instead work to get your case dismissed before it gets to trial. For instance, if it can be shown that the traffic stop that led to your charge was improper, all the evidence obtained during the stop might be thrown out. Depending on the strength of the case against you, there may be nothing else to justify keeping you in custody or forcing you to stand trial.

Your attorney may also argue that evidence was planted, that statements were coerced, or that other steps were taken to obtain information in an improper way. If successful, anything that was found in your car or anything that you said to police may be ruled inadmissible. Even if your case isn’t dismissed, having evidence suppressed can make it easier to negotiate a favorable plea deal.

If you are charged with DUI, your first move should be to ask for an attorney. In the event that you cannot afford one, legal counsel will be provided by the court. As soon as you request legal counsel, all questioning must stop until counsel can be present, which can provide time and space to create a solid plan to overcome the charge.

Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”

Published By: Aize Perez