If you are charged with drunk driving, you could face a variety of consequences whether or not you are convicted of the charge. Therefore, you must contact an attorney immediately to reduce or eliminate some or all of those consequences if you have been charged with a DUI.
1- Your Attorney Will Have Greater Access to Records
An attorney will likely know which documents are most relevant in your case and get a copy of them quickly. Your attorney will also likely be able to get them faster and easier than you would on your own. Important documents or files may include any statements made to police or any videos taken while in custody.
2- Your Attorney Can Interpret Records Better Than You Can
Legal counsel may be able to determine the strength of the case against you by reviewing dashcam footage or copies of any police report made in your matter. At a minimum, knowing what the government has against you can provide relief from mental anguish as the legal process unfolds.
3- Your Attorney May Get Evidence Suppressed
Your representative may be able to get a statement stricken from the record if it was made after you asked for an attorney or asked to remain silent. If there was no basis for a traffic stop that led to your DUI charge, that may also be enough to have your case dismissed or have the charges against you reduced. Even if the charges aren’t dropped or reduced, having evidence stricken from the record may make it harder to obtain a conviction in court.
4- Your Attorney May Help You from Making Things Worse
There is a good chance that your legal counsel will tell you to refrain from making statements about your case either online or in person. In fact, your attorney can act as a gatekeeper between yourself and anyone who wants to talk to you about your case. Ultimately, you won’t feel pressured to give an interview to the media or answer questions from the police without having time to craft answers that won’t harm your case.
5- Your Attorney May Negotiate a Favorable Plea Deal
It’s not uncommon for legal counsel to work with prosecutors or judges in DUI cases in an effort to negotiate a plea deal. Typically, plea deals are offered as a way to avoid a lengthy and costly trial that will also contribute to the backlog of cases courts already experience. With your attorney’s help, you may be able to obtain an offer that has you plead guilty in exchange for no jail time or other favorable terms. Taking a plea also ensures that you get back home to your family and may also reduce the cost of trying the case.
If you are charged with drunk or impaired driving, it’s critical to obtain representation as quickly as possible. Doing so may make it easier to avoid jail time or avoid any penalties related to the charge at all such as a fine or a suspended driver’s license.
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