Even if you aren’t drunk, you can still be found guilty of DUI charges. Regardless of how you’re feeling, state limits require that your blood-alcohol level not exceed .08%. Even if it doesn’t you can still be arrested and charged with DUI based on an incapability to operate a vehicle.
Whether you chose to hire a DUI lawyer or not is a matter of personal choice, but know what the benefits of hiring a DUI attorney are before you choose to represent yourself.
Not all cases are created equal
A DUI lawyer will assess your specific case and determine the range of consequences caused by your level of intoxication. The risks of drunk or impaired driving are immense, and can include injury or even death to the passengers of the vehicle or innocent bystanders.
If you have seriously injured yourself or others while driving under the influence, you will not fare against drunk driving charges without an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
In more minor cases, DUI attorney can help reduce the punishments you’re facing. Probation and rehabilitation courses are often the choice of plea for those who are found guilty of DUI.
Repeat offenders are at very high risk of being convicted of DUI, regardless if their BAC was under the legal limit. These people have significantly little leeway when determining the course of action against them. While a judge can easily sentence a repeat offender to jail for multiple years, an attorney is able to make a plea deal with the prosecuting attorney to reduce the punishment by a few months to a few years. The severity of the incident also influences the conditions of a plea deal.
Underage DUI offenders are also at high risk of serious consequences. In many places, there is a zero-tolerance policy against minors’ consumption of alcohol, whether they’re operating a vehicle or not. Without a lawyer, those under the age of 21 are more likely to serve time, regardless of their BAC.
Lawyers make the process manageable
A lawyer looks out for your best interest, When you choose to represent yourself after a DUI, you may have a hard time deciphering legal jargon, potentially resulting in a higher level of punishment.
Your DUI lawyer can make things understandable for you and take care of the more technical, legal aspects.