Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime. It not only puts your safety at risk but it also puts the lives of others on the roadways in danger. This can result in serious legal consequences. Because you are facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to hire a DUII lawyer to ensure you are being represented by someone who knows the ins and outs of the law. It’s also essential to have an attorney who knows how to help you get the charges reduced and allow you to move on with your life.
Learn when to hire a lawyer, and some of the benefits selecting an experienced attorney can provide.
Hire a DUII Lawyer to Assess Your Case
When you are facing DUI charges, you need an experienced attorney to review your case and assess the charges you’re facing – as well as help you determine a possible defense. It’s essential to have an experienced lawyer provide his or her insight instead of relying on just your own opinion – which can lack legal experience and knowledge. When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to hire a DUI attorney to represent you and provide guidance.
During an assessment of your case, your attorney can walk you through what to expect during the case, the potential penalties you may face, and what documents and evidence you will need. Hiring an attorney as quickly as possible after the arrest is crucial. If you procrastinate, you may miss certain deadlines that carry significant consequences for your ability to continue driving. After a DUII arrest, you only have a certain number of days for your attorney to request a DMV Hearing to contest the suspension of your license. If you miss the deadline, your license may be automatically suspended by DMV on the 30th day after the date of the arrest.
Bring a DUII Lawyer to Your Implied Consent Hearing
You should hire a DUII lawyer as quickly as possible after your arrest. You only have a certain number of days for your attorney to request a hearing to contest the suspension of your license that may result from a failed breath test or a refusal to take a breath test. During the hearing, your lawyer will be able to review police reports and cross-examine the police officer to challenge the strength of the State’s case against you. This hearing provides your attorney with valuable insight into the State’s case and also forces the police officer to testify under oath. This means the officer’s testimony is now locked in and cannot be changed later if your case goes to trial.
Bring a DUII Lawyer to Your Arraignment
You should hire a DUI lawyer before you are arraigned so you can bring him or her to the hearing. You will need his or her legal expertise during these proceedings – both to represent you and to prepare you for what to expect.
During an arraignment a judge will:
- Read the criminal charge(s) against you.
- Ask you if you have an attorney, and if not, tell you how to get one appointed to you if you qualify.
- Ask you how you plead to the criminal charges. The Court will typically only accept a plea of “not guilty” at the arraignment.
- Determine if bail will be set, and at what amount.
- Determine what restrictions should be imposed upon you if you are permitted to remain out of custody pending the final resolution of your case. You may be restricted from leaving the state without permission.
- Read a list of dates for other proceedings in the case.
Bring a Lawyer to the Preliminary Hearing
A preliminary hearing is considered the trial before the trial. During these proceedings, the judge determines if there is enough evidence for the defendant to stand trial.
At the hearing, the judge will listen to arguments from the prosecution and the defense. A defense attorney typically focuses on cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses and questions the validity of the evidence against you. The defense attorney’s goal is to get the case thrown out. With so much at stake, you do not want to risk representing yourself during this hearing.
Hire an Attorney for Trial
While you can technically represent yourself in a DUII trial, it’s not recommended. You need an experienced DUII lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the court system and is familiar with the rules. Representing yourself and entering court without the expertise needed to go through a trial can put your future at risk.
Let Us Help You
When you’re facing DUII charges, let our lawyers at The Law Offices of Alexzander C.J. Adams, P.C. help. We work for you, the people, and not institutions. Contact us for a free case evaluation, or no-obligation consultation. We are dedicated to helping you overcome this small bump in the road and assisting you to get on with your life.
