| Often, when people are charged with drunk driving or | | | | will be dropped or lowered. |
| driving under the influence (DUI), they consider | | | | Experienced attorneys will understand how to |
| defending themselves or using a public defender. | | | | interview witnesses and officers; as well as what |
| Sometimes hiring an attorney may not be your best | | | | evidence will help your case. They have access to |
| choice; however, when it comes to DUI charges, a | | | | expert witnesses who know how to refute the |
| lawyer will make a big difference. | | | | accuracy of blood and urine tests. Attorneys will also |
| Cost is one of the most common concerns | | | | be able to tell you what chemicals and over the |
| surrounding hiring a DUI attorney. Many people facing | | | | counter drugs could impact the results of a |
| DUI charges believe a lawyer is too expensive and | | | | breathalyzer. |
| they can avoid the cost by defending themselves. | | | | Lawyers are able to do the most good for first time |
| While a lawyer is a larger up front expense, he or she | | | | offenders. Hiring an attorney after your first offense |
| could save you a great deal of money in the long run. | | | | increases the chances you will keep your license and |
| If you are still concerned about the cost of an attorney, | | | | put the charges behind you. He or she will also check |
| consider how much even two or three months in jail | | | | the evidence to make sure it supports an arrest. If the |
| will cost you in lost income. It could even mean losing | | | | evidence is weak, your charges could be dismissed. |
| your job. | | | | If you are involved in the following situations, defending |
| Others believe they can save money by using a court | | | | yourself or using a court appointed attorney should not |
| appointed attorney. DUI laws are constantly being | | | | be considered an option: |
| modified and only an attorney specializing in that type | | | | 1. You have been arrested for a DUI in the past. |
| of law will be able to stay up to date on all of the | | | | 2. You are accused of injuring someone. |
| changes. When searching for a personal lawyer, you | | | | 3. You do not understand your rights. |
| should look for someone who has years of | | | | 4. You do not know which steps you need to take. |
| experience in DUI laws. A less experienced lawyer | | | | When searching for a DUI attorney, look for a firm that |
| means you could face higher fees or more time in jail. | | | | specializes in serious injury or drunken driving cases. |
| The court system is confusing and a good attorney | | | | Find out which professional organizations the attorneys |
| will help argue your case and explain the possible | | | | participate in and how many years of experience they |
| consequences you face. Lawyers are not magicians, | | | | have. Another vital point to verify is that they |
| however they can increase the chances your charges | | | | graduated from an accredited law school. |