Have you been charged with a DUI? Wondering what to do next? Scared about the future? Hiring a DUI attorney could help. Here's a look at five key situations where you need to hire one of these professionals:
1. You Don't Want to Go to Jail
In many states, the punishment for a DUI can involve jail time. If you are forced to go to jail, you may lose your job, lose your home, have to make alternative care arrangements for your kids, and face a range of other logistical issues. On top of that, you have to go to jail, which is largely considered to be an unpleasant experience.
Legally, you can defend yourself in a case like this, but if you want to increase the chances of avoiding jail time, you may want to let a professional with experience represent you.
2. You Want a Reduced Penalty
Jail is not the only punishment that can come with a DUI conviction. You may also lose your license, face fines, or have to go to special classes on drinking or addiction. If you want to avoid any of those punishments, you need a DUI attorney in your corner.
These specialists handle these types of cases all the time. They know which arguments and defenses stand up the best in court, and they can structure your case accordingly.
3. You Have Prior DUI Convictions
In most cases, the more DUI convictions you get, the worse the penalties will be. If you already have charges on your record, you need legal help to reduce the impact of another conviction.
4. You Refused the Breathalyzer
Some people think refusing the breathalyzer is a good way to get out of a DUI charge, but refusing that or a blood test can often make the issue worse. Many states have implied consent laws.
That means that by driving your car in that state, you automatically consent to have your blood drawn or your breath tested if a police officer thinks that you were driving drunk. If you have already refused the test, you most certainly need a DUI attorney to help argue your case.
5. You Are Innocent
If you didn't do anything, you definitely need a lawyer. Unfortunately, innocent people get found guilty all the time. When you hire a professional, you get the help you need to preserve and protect your innocence.To learn more, contact an attorney directly to talk about your case.
Check out a website like http://www.chichesterlaw.com for more information and assistance.