Finding Help for your DUI Arrest
What would you do if you were stopped by the police for a suspected DUI? Where can you find the help you need? The first thing you should do is hire an attorney to review your case. Lawyers are trained to examine the circumstances of your case, reviewing everything from the initial reason for your traffic stop, Breathalyzer tests, and support evidence that might potentially get your case dropped. Although it may seem costly to hire an attorney, if it saves you from jail time, a hefty fine and having a DUI conviction put on your driving record, it is well worth the price.
A DUI attorney is aware of the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and can help you through the process. Possible penalties will vary according to your age, your prior history concerning DUIs and the circumstances of your arrest.
Questions you might ask your attorney:
⢠How can I present a successful defense if I want to go to trial on drunk driving charges? What are my chances? Have you handled DUI cases similar to mine?
⢠Does it matter whether I take a breathalyzer or blood test? Is one kind of test more reliable? Can I request which test to take?
⢠Do the police have to do field sobriety tests, such as balance or eye gaze tests before doing a breathalyzer or blood test? If they failed to do so, how does that impact my case?
⢠My medical condition resulted in motor skill difficulty, but I have a valid driver’s license. Should I be concerned that my condition could be misinterpreted and strengthen the DUI case against me?
An experienced DUI lawyer can bring a motion to have particular damaging evidence kept out of the trial. Examples of evidence that defense lawyers work at eliminating from a DUI trial at the pretrial motion stage include:
⢠Physical evidence such as alcohol bottles confiscated from the car
⢠Blood alcohol content testing results
⢠Any incriminating statements or confessions you may have made to the arresting officer
There may be some cases when an attorney at or before the preliminary hearing state can reach a deal with the prosecutor to have a DUI charge reduced to a less serious charge, such as reckless driving. It may also be possible to reach a compromise by agreeing to plead guilty to the DUI charge in exchange for the prosecutor recommending a less severe sentence than if the case went to trial.
An experienced DUI attorney can also provide assistance in receiving an "occupational licenses" which are available under many different circumstances. He or she will argue that in your case, an "essential need" exists, such as school or job commuting.
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