Reasons You NEED Attorneys for a DUI

Did you know it’s possible for a DUI conviction to remain on your record for the entire duration of your life? It’s for this reason, more so than some of the others that you’re going to want to have a skilled DUI attorney with you in court. Since you’ll have to appear in court on more than one occasion, (including your arraignment, your defense, and your sentencing if you have been convicted), you’ll need some guidance about how best to get prepared. Are you equipped to face all the DUI proceedings alone?

The Fines and Penalties for a DUI

Generally speaking, if you are convicted of a DUI, you can serve up to 6 months in jail and face fines of as much as $2,000. If you have previously been convicted, the fine can triple and your jail time can increase substantially depending on circumstances. You will also be required to take DUI classes, which usually cost about $600 to $1,200, depending on how long you are required to take them. There are also court fees you are responsible for paying, which can pile up if the case is complicated, and cut a serious wedge into your finances.

After receiving a DUI, your license will be revoked for a set period of time. The duration of this suspension is usually determined by how high your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was at the time of your arrest or if your record shows you to be a repeat offender. There are also bail costs to consider, which can be from $500 to $500,000, and even a $125 re-activation fee for a restricted license if you need to drive for work related purposes.

Important to note, though all states qualify a drunk driver as a person operating a vehicle with a BAC level of .08 and above, the laws pertaining to their punishment and restrictions after conviction do vary.

What are the Costs for a Solid DUI Attorneys Defense?

Most DUI cases are straight forward, the case will conclude quickly and the lawyer’s fee won’t be overly outrageous. Generally, the fee for a DUI attorney to defend you in court can range from $2,000 to $4,000. However, if the case is overly complex and takes a great deal of time to resolve, the costs can be higher. It’s important to meet with an attorney and attempt to work out an estimate for how long it may take to resolve the issue in court before hiring one.

Shopping around for the best rates isn’t a bad idea either. Some DUI Lawyers even offer a free consultation and can take a look at the details of your case for free.

In the long run, a DUI attorney can end up saving you great deal of money. The fees you’ll pay your lawyer are nominal when compared to the fines you may incur if you are not acquitted, as well as the increased rates on car insurance. A DUI usually results in the state demanding a SR-22, which is a very high risk and expensive insurance policy. This can end up haunting you for years.

Do You Really NEED a DUI Attorney?

Some people would argue that you don’t need an attorney for a DUI. However, we strongly recommend one, and since they are more familiar with the laws that surround current DUI law, they are definitely your best bet to avoid accruing more fines and penalties than you deserve. You need to find out more about your specific case before you proceed. Fill out the free evaluation below, and one of our experienced representatives will contact you shortly and help you decide if a DUI attorney is right for you.