If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, you may be wondering what comes next. You are likely also considering whether or not to retain a criminal defense attorney to assist you with any criminal charges you may be facing. How exactly can an attorney help with a DUI charge? Is a lawyer with the expense? What exactly does a criminal defense attorney do? Before you retain any lawyer, you should figure out the answer to those questions.
There are many benefits associated with hiring an experienced attorney to help you fight DUI charges.
An Attorney Can Provide You with Valuable Advice
Do you know how to proceed after you’ve been accused of a DUI? It’s not just about how you present yourself in court. You may also want to avoid posting on social media about the accusations or sharing anything that could be considered incriminating. You should also consider what you say in court, how you present yourself, how you interact with the judge, the opposing lawyer, or anyone else involved in your case.
An Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights and Freedoms
It’s not always possible to avoid a DUI conviction. Sometimes, the judge has proof that you were driving under the influence: a blood test or breathalyzer, for example. In some cases, however, an attorney may be able to help you protect your rights and your freedoms.
A lawyer can help you ask for a lighter sentence. If this is your first conviction or if your case involves extenuating circumstances, you may be able to get off with a lighter sentence, even if you are convicted. An attorney may be able to secure a reduced fine, keep you out of jail, or ensure that you keep your license.
A lawyer may be able to prove that evidence wasn’t collected legally. Maybe the officer assumed you were driving under the influence, but never saw you drinking or found any evidence that would support a DUI conviction. For example, if you refused to submit to a blood or breathalyzer test, but the officer conducted the test anyway, the evidence against you wasn’t collected legally. A lawyer may be able to have your charges dismissed entirely.
An Attorney Can Protect Your Finances
Hiring a lawyer seems like an expensive proposition. In fact, many people try to represent themselves in an effort to save money. However, you may ultimately end up saving money by hiring an attorney to represent you. They may be able to help keep you out of jail, reduce the fines you’ll have to pay and decrease the overall expenses associated with your DUI case.
If you’ve been accused of drinking and driving, it’s important to start working with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will focus on protecting your rights, your freedoms, and your finances. If you’re facing criminal charges associated with drinking and driving, contact the Law Office of Joseph Cerino today.
