Anytime someone under the influence gets behind the wheel of a car, they run the risk of not only hurting themselves and others in a car accident but also winding up in a jail cell for DUI. Just a few days ago we saw on the news the deadly car and motorcycle accident on I-15 in San Diego’s North County involving a drunk driver. Driving under the influence is a serious crime and the legal ramifications keep getting more and more stringent as each state attempts to crack down on DUI-related fatalities. It’s because of the complexity of state’s laws that it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney to represent you.
There are many benefits to hiring a professional attorney but the main one is expertise. You want the best person possible protecting you and your rights. It’s a DUI attorney’s job to know the ins and outs of state law in order to better prepare a defense for your case and make you aware of the possible punishments and fines you may be facing. Expertise is extremely beneficial because it’s possible for the court to be lenient because of things like first time offense and cooperation with law enforcement.
Lawyers are also able to reach plea agreements with the prosecution to have your sentence reduced, and/or your record expunged. The latter is definitely the more important of the two. The last thing you want is something like this to follow you for the rest of your life. Experienced DUI lawyers have the ability to both protect you from a life-long blight as well as provide some type of adequate punishment that will satisfy the prosecution without having to go to trial.
In the event that your license is revoked, it’s the attorney’s job to file the necessary paperwork with the Department of Motor Vehicles to have your license reinstated. It’s possible to be allowed the use of your automobile for work and school purpose and the attorney will work to ensure that your rights are fully protected.
If you decide to go it alone against a judge you’re running the risk of maximum punishment for DUI. Again, this is a serious crime and it’s important to protect yourself. The most effective way to do that is with an individual that knows DUI law like the back of their hand. For your sake, hiring an experienced lawyer is without a doubt the best thing you can do.
Although we do not practice criminal defense, each state has lawyers specializing in DUI cases. The Law Office of Jay A. Perry is a leading Chattanooga criminal defense attorney who can provide legal counsel and personal attention for college students seeking help with underage drinking tickets, drug crimes or other charges.
Please don’t drink and drive.