| There are DUI laws in place in all 50 states of the U.S. | | | | you cannot afford your own attorney, or choose to |
| These laws stipulate how much alcohol is too much | | | | not hire one, you will have an attorney appointed to |
| (maximum BAC) and impose harsh penalties on | | | | you by the courts. |
| anyone who is caught operating a motor vehicle under | | | | However, court appointed attorneys are often less |
| the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are drive under | | | | knowledgeable about the intricacies of defending |
| the influence you risk a lot more than just ending up in | | | | someone charged with DUI. As with all legal issues, the |
| an accident. | | | | DUI laws vary somewhat by state and are constantly |
| Those who are caught driving under the influence are | | | | changing. For this reason, only an attorney specializing |
| usually arrested on the spot and have their vehicle | | | | in DUI offenses in your state will be able to provide |
| impounded. Once convicted of a DUI offense they can | | | | you with the best possible defense. |
| face expensive fines and court fees (usually in the | | | | Court appointed attorneys also have very little |
| thousands of dollars), and lengthy jail time. | | | | motivation to really help their clients beat a DUI |
| There are a number of long term ramifications as well. | | | | conviction or at least help them avoid some of the |
| A DUI conviction can mean forced alcohol education | | | | harsher penalties. A court appointed attorney is |
| classes (paid for out of pocket), years of probation, | | | | representing you out of obligation to the state, not out |
| the loss of your driver's license (either temporarily or | | | | of obligation to you to provide you with the best legal |
| permanently), more expensive insurance or dropped | | | | defense. As such, it is in their best interest to resolve |
| coverage and possibly having to have an ignition | | | | your case as quickly as possible, regardless of what is |
| interlock device installed on your vehicle. Being | | | | in your best interest. |
| convicted of driving under the influence can also cause | | | | On the other hand, if you hire an attorney then it is in |
| you to have restrictions on your ability to travel out of | | | | their best interest to do a good job in defending you |
| the country or even out of your home state. Some | | | | and in serving your interests. An attorney who doesn't |
| people even lose their jobs because of their DUI | | | | defend his or her clients well doesn't get many new |
| convictions. | | | | clients. Hiring your own defense attorney significantly |
| If you get arrested for driving under the influence of | | | | improves your chances of feeling the full brunt of the |
| drugs or alcohol, one of the first things that you will | | | | law if you are arrested for driving under the influence. |
| hear as the officers cuff you are your Miranda Rights. | | | | A simple online search can help you to find the best |
| Police officers are required by law to remind you off | | | | DUI attorney in your area. |
| your rights, including your right to legal representation. If | | | | |