DUI charges are a very serious matter, and with such an important charge, you need an outstanding DUI lawyer to help you. To be more specific, it’s important to find a lawyer who has experience handling DUI cases in your state. Plus, a lawyer who knows a lot about you and is not afraid to take initiative can certainly help your case. There are many things to take into consideration when looking for and choosing your lawyer.
Defining DUI
Driving under the influence, also called DUI, is a common offense in today’s society. A DUI occurs when the driver operating a vehicle is not sober, whether under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Depending on the state you are in, DUIs are either considered a misdemeanor or a felony. The possible outcomes for those convicted are typically jail time, license suspension, fines, or other consequences. Always make sure you have a designated driver, or money for an Uber to take you home to avoid getting a DUI and putting other people’s lives in danger.
The Process: How A DUI Unfolds
Getting a DUI is a process that consists of multiple steps, including receiving the DUI and going to court. Once someone is suspected of driving under the influence, a police officer usually makes the person in question undergo a sobriety test on the spot. Sobriety tests can vary, but the most common are walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or a test administered with a breathalyzer. If you fail, the police officer will then take you to the police station for further questioning, and if convicted, you must go through the court to possibly resolve the case.
DUI Lawyers: What To Look For
An experienced lawyer is just what you need to resolve a DUI charge. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing your lawyer:
First, make sure the lawyer has experience in your state. In some states, DUIs are considered felonies, whereas in some states they are considered misdemeanors. If your lawyer is not aware of this, they could potentially mishandle your case. Make sure your lawyer is familiar with your state laws!
A successful lawyer is always a plus. There is nothing wrong with doing research on your lawyer. Knowing their history could give you insight into how your court case may go if you were to hire them.
Your comfort level is very important when it comes to any court case. A good lawyer will always try to get to know their clients a least a little bit. Think of it as a graphic designer getting to know the company they are producing a website for. In order to be successful, you must know who and what kind of person your client/company is. Trusting that your lawyer has good intentions and has your interests at heart is also vital to ensuring a successful case.
The Costs: Money And More
Money is not the only cost of a DUI. You have to think about the emotional weight, time, and energy about to be spent on getting you case resolved. Other consequences, like loss of child custody or inability to purchase/rent an apartment or home. Some people lose their jobs because of receiving a DUI. This can be due to what specifically their occupation is (truck drivers, taxi drivers, etc) or due to being in a highly-rated company. A DUI lawyer can assist you with these costs, however, simply having a DUI lawyer can be pricey as well. One DUI charge can ruin your entire career, so never drink and drive, for the safety of yourself and others.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
With all of those things in mind, here are a few other things to consider when receiving a DUI:
The first time you receive a DUI is not as bad as receiving a consecutive DUI. The consequences and fines are much worse, and sometimes the second time is not resolvable.
If there is an extreme amount of evidence that you were, in fact, driving under the influence, your case may be lost. However, with a good enough DUI lawyer, it’s still possible.
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To conclude, it is okay to be picky when selecting a lawyer. Researching lawyers before you make your final choice is important. Making sure you and your lawyer are compatible is vital to the outcome of your case. As DUI can affect employment, privileges, and even owning a home, never driving under the influence is the best solution.
To learn more, contact Goff Voltin today!
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