When you’re charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), there’s immediate stress about the consequences. Will you lose your license? How much will the fines cost? Will this affect your record and job? There’s a lot to think about and the legal system is notoriously complex. Hiring a DUI attorney can have several advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific situation. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice:
Pros of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
It’s completely reasonable to want the expertise of a lawyer whenever a person tangles with the law. Plus, DUI laws are notoriously complex and confusing. If you’re facing this charge, here are the top reasons why you’d want to hire a lawyer:
DUI Law Expertise
Hiring a DUI attorney means you have someone on your side who understands the complexities of the DUI charges, legal procedures, and potential defenses. They will also ensure your rights are not violated during the arrest, investigation, or court process. Not only will they know exactly what the law says, they will know how it actually plays out in real life and be able to advise you accordingly. This expertise can be invaluable.
Customized Defense Strategy
DUI attorneys can analyze your case details, such as the traffic stop, breathalyzer test, or field sobriety test, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. They will have the best chance of getting you a favorable outcome in your case.
Minimized Penalties
An experienced attorney who knows how to negotiate for DUI cases is more likely to help their clients receive reduced fines, a shorter license suspension (or avoid a license suspension altogether), or alternative sentencing like alcohol education programs. In some cases, they might even be able to save you from going to jail.
Less Time and Stress
A DUI lawyer will file the legal paperwork, shepherd you through the court process, and handle all negotiations, which can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with legal procedures. In misdemeanor cases, they can also appear in court on your behalf. (Note: If it’s a felony DUI case, you must attend your court appearance). In short, DUI attorneys save their clients a lot of time and effort, which can provide tremendous peace of mind.
Trial Experience
If your case goes to trial, an attorney with courtroom experience can provide skilled representation. This is a situation where having a DUI attorney will be critical to ensuring your case is handled in the best possible manner.
Remember that there are no guarantees–hiring legal representation doesn’t mean you’ll get a more favorable outcome in your case (but it typically increases the odds of that).
Cons of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
Your best option is to have a legal expert going to bat for you, but there are valid reasons why it may not choose to hire an attorney.
Cost
The first and most obvious issue is the cost. DUI lawyers can be expensive, especially the good ones. If your case is complex or goes to trial, the bill will obviously go up. And this is in addition to the overall cost of a DUI.
Difficulty Finding the Right Attorney
Researching and selecting a trustworthy attorney takes time, and not all attorneys are equally skilled. Some DUI lawyers may overpromise results to secure your business, so it’s important to vet potential attorneys carefully. Some good questions to ask are:
- How many DUI cases have you successfully handled? (Look for someone who has at least 100 DUI cases under their belt.)
- Do you handle the Driver’s License component of my DUI and is that included in your fee?
- How many DUI cases do you take on per month? (Avoid attorneys who carry too big of a caseload.)
- What are some possible defense strategies for my case?
When to Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney
If you’re still on the fence and deciding whether it’s worth it to hire legal representation, here are some specific situations it’s strongly recommended to have a DUI lawyer:
- If it’s a repeat offense.
- If you have a job that requires a license.
- If the DUI involves aggravating factors like an accident, injuries, or a high BAC.
- If you believe your rights were violated during the arrest.
- If you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures and want to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
Need DUI Advice?
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI or are facing charges, we can help. Tulsa DUI Guy has decades of experience successfully handling these types of cases and can advise you on the best path forward. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.