What Does a DUI Attorney Do?
A DUI attorney is a legal professional who represents clients (or the state) in a DUI case. If you are an individual who has been pulled over for a DUI you will most likely have to go to court to defend your actions or accept your punishment. If your case is not straightforward, you should hire a DUI attorney to defend your rights. These legal professionals are experienced with DUI cases; they use their professional knowledge of DUI laws to mitigate or drop your charges.
DUI attorneys are considered necessary forms of aid because DUI laws are stringent and unique based on location—they are different from state to state. Hiring a DUI attorney will also help reduce your punishments if you are convicted. Depending on your state, the inclusion of a DUI attorney may be mandatory; the inclusion of a DUI attorney for first-time offenders will depend on whether or not your state requires you to appear before a court. Below is a list of generic DUI laws. Note: these laws will vary based on your state.
DUI attorneys are specialized legal professionals, equipped with a distinct knowledge of DUI laws in your area. They are experienced in filing counter-claims, appeals, pleas and building defenses to bring greater efficacy to your DUI case. Because a DUI charge may be criminal in nature, a DUI attorney may also have criminal law experience. Regardless of the aid’s
Generic DUI Laws:
DUI laws are governed by a state’s municipal court system. Each court system in a state will implement a series of unique procedures and policies related to DUI arrests. Because of this variance, it is imperative that you retain a qualified DUI attorney who is familiar with your state’s DUI policies.
As a generic example, a first-time DUI offender (those with no prior DUI offenses in the last 7 years) will be subjected to the following punishments:
• At least one day in jail; one year maximum or 15 days with home confinement
• A minimum fine of $823 and a maximum fine of $5,000
• 90 day license suspension
• Probationary license active for 5 years after reinstatement
• Ignition interlock may be ordered by the court system and may be placed on the violator’s vehicle for up to 5 years
• Alcohol treatment and evaluation classwork as determined by the court
Note: These punishments will only be instituted if you record a breath test registered under .15% if one taken
In a number of jurisdictions, those individuals with a prior DUI offense in the last 7 years and a breath test less than .15% or no breath test applied, but not a refusal, will face the following punishments:
• A minimum of 30 days in jail; one year maximum with an additional 60 days of Electronic Home Detention
• Mandatory passing of driving and knowledge exams
• Probationary license for five years following reinstatement
• Up to five years of monitored probation
• Installation of ignition interlock for at least one year
• Alcohol treatment and evaluation classes as determined by the Seattle Court
• Probation monitoring for up to five years
Individuals with one prior DUI offense in the last years and a breath test above .15% or a refusal to take the test will face the following punishments:
• A minimum of 45 days in jail with a maximum sentence of one year plus an additional 90 days of Electronic Home Detention
• $1,503 total minimum fine; up to a $5,000 fine
• 900 day license revocation
• Probationary license for 5 years
• Up to five years of monitored probation
• Ignition interlock for no less than one year
• Alcohol treatment and evaluation classes as determined by your city’s court
• Probation monitoring for up to five years
Individuals with two prior DUI offenses in the last 7 years and a breath test less than .15% or no breath test applied will face the following:
• A minimum of 90 days in jail with a maximum sentence of 1 year plus an additional 120 days of Electronic Home Detention
• Three year license revocation
• Minimum fine of $1,928 with a maximum fine up to $5,000
• Knowledge and driving exams
• Ignition interlock installation for at least 1 years, 5 years if interlock was previously applied and 10 years if two interlocks were installed
• Mandatory participation in alcohol evaluation and treatment as determined by the your city’s court
• Probation monitoring for up to 5 years
• Minimum jail sentence of 120 days, with a maximum sentence of 1 years and an additional 150 days electronic home detention
• A minimum fine of $2,778 or a maximum fine of $5,000
• Four year license revocation
• Knowledge and driving exams
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for no less than 1 year if interlock device was not previously installed, 5 years if one was installed and 10 years if two were installed
• Participation in treatment and alcohol evaluation courses as determined by the court
• Probation monitoring for up to 5 years
If you are convicted of a DUI for the third time in seven years you will undoubtedly go to jail. In this instant, you must also hire a DUI attorney to mitigate your charges or structure a plea deal.
Finding a DUI Attorney:
When searching for a DUI attorney, you must utilize the following resources: the Internet (particularly search engines), peer review platforms, rating guides, forums, advice offered from friends or family, and your state’s bar association.
With these resources perform the following to secure sufficient legal aid:
1. Conduct an Internet search. Visit Google or other search engines and simply type in the specialty (area of law) + “DUI Attorney.” The search results should provide you with a list of qualified divorce attorneys in your area.
2. After compiling a list of prospective divorce attorneys in your jurisdiction, you should review client testimonials and other information connected to their practice. Testimonials offer a glimpse of the legal professional’s expected course of action and reputability. These resources are offered by the aid’s previous clients; they are firsthand accounts that illuminate the DUI attorney’s effectiveness. To observe information, search the DUI attorney’s name and “reviews” or “testimonials.”
3. In addition to testimonials and client reviews, you should visit each DUI attorney’s website to view their biographical information. Their representing law firm will provide case profiles for the prospective DUI attorneys; these profiles will provide basic information, including the lawyer’s case history, accomplishments, experience and education.
4. After you gather this information you should filter your prospective choices down to a select few. The elimination should be based on proximity and experience. When you have narrowed the list, contact each DUI attorney by phone or email and ask them questions regarding your case. During this preliminary correspondence you should also inquire about their payment structures. After evaluating each one’s answers you should schedule consultations with the DUI attorneys you feel most comfortable with. The consultation will prove to be the vehicle that affirms your choice for representation.
DUI can be one of the costliest tickets you can receive. A DUI defense attorney may be the only chance you have at beating this charge. Many states have stiff consequences for DUIs, including fines, jail time, and the loss of your driving privileges. A DUI attorney may be able to help.
If you are arrested for DUI, you will be given a court date to appear in court. You will also have your driver’s license confiscated and receive a temporary driving permit. DUI defense attorneys can file the necessary paperwork to help you keep your privileges. A DUI defense attorney will also appear with you in court and may be able to keep you out of jail.
A DUI defense attorney will review all of the reports, including police and accident reports, breath test reports, and medical reports, if necessary. DUI defense attorneys understand the complex laws and regulations regarding this serious offense, but they also understand how to beat some of these cases. DUI defense attorneys may be able to get some of the evidence thrown out if it was obtained illegally.
A DUI defense attorney will represent you against these charges, as well as any others that might have arisen from this case. If you have had a DUI in the past, your DUI defense attorney may have a more difficult time trying to save your driving privileges. Your DUI attorney is certainly one of the most important calls you will make after your arrest. Don’t wait until you appear in court. Call the best DUI defense attorneys you can find.
