DUI lawyer: what they do
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, but in some states it is called DWI, Driving While Intoxicated. There are strict laws in all fifty states for those caught driving while intoxicated. If you are detained for suspicious behavior, the police officer may do a field sobriety test if the disc has difficulty speaking, has a strong alcohol odor, or general incoherence. They can also ask permission to do a BAC, which stands for blood alcohol content test if the driver does not demonstrate good motor skills or good judgment during field tests. The BAC test will show the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream and if it exceeds the legal limit, which in many states is 0.10% BAC, the driver can be arrested for DWI.
If a person is caught for DUI, it can have serious consequences. This is why many hire a DWI attorney to help them obtain the required minimum sentence. The DUI attorney is the type of attorney who will handle all aspects of the case from the beginning to the end. When you hire them, they will arrange a consultation for you to explain all the possible scenarios that you could face if you are found guilty of this crime. It could result in a revoked or suspended driver’s license, jail time, fines, fees, or a combination of any of these. An experienced DUI attorney will generally challenge the arrest and try to convince the Court to lower the charges. They may even try to reduce the sentence against the defendant, a DUI defendant. The DUI attorney will also dispute whether the law enforcement officer was within your constitutional rights to stop the car. The lawyer may also briefly question whether the test performed was accurate or not.
They will also clear up any legal issues and make sure you understand what is happening now and what could happen in the months to come. For example, the attorney can give you the details about what kind of sentence is expected for someone who is convicted of DUI for the first time compared to one who has been convicted before. With a DUI there are usually several court hearings, starting with the hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles and ending with the State or County Court. At each hearing, the DUI attorney will be there to defend the defendant.
When you are charged with a DUI, take the time to search for attorneys who specialize in this field. When choosing a DUI attorney, choose one who has a good track record with many court victories. You should also consider the rates they charge, per hour or a flat rate.