A DUI Attorney: Do You Even Need One?

A DUI attorney isn't something that anyone is going to feel good about spending money on, both because it is an expensive cost and because the need to spend it could have been completely avoided. At the same time, without the help of a legal professional, things could potentially get much worse once you get to court.

With that in mind, many potential defendants debate with themselves over whether it is totally necessary to hire a real DUI attorney to represent them in court rather than representing themselves. This is a debate that may seem worth having with oneself at the time, as many individuals can feel confident stating a case for why they are innocent of any charges against them and certainly would like to avoid the associated costs of legal representation. However considering all of the many potential variables at play before, during and after an individual can appear in court, it can be an extremely risky proposition to go it alone.

So what should you consider if you are debating whether to hire a DUI attorney or represent yourself? The most obvious place to start is how well you, yourself know the law. Because of the many different legal aspects at play here, ranging from the arrest procedure to the handling of evidence to the statements of the officers involved and everything in between, you should be fully confident standing up in court and both identifying and raising questions about potential legal issues with these and other aspects of your case if you are planning to represent yourself. If you do not possess these abilities then you are compromising your own case by not letting someone who does handle the situation.

Aside from this vital knowledge of the law, the other thing you are paying for when you shell out money for a DUI attorney is their time and work ethic. A great deal of time and effort is needed in order to give your defense the due diligence it needs. If you do not have the time to pour through paperwork, research precedent or collect and examine evidence and important documents, you would similarly be hurting yourself by not letting a fully-staffed firm with the manpower to handle all these important tasks take over your case.

Finally, an often-overlooked aspect of what makes a good DUI attorney is the ability to remain calm, cool and collected in the face of immense pressure. Are you able to stand up in court and remain composed in your own defense while also being able to carry out the aforementioned tasks needed to give yourself a chance? For most individuals the answer is' no,' making it even more important to hire someone who is able to stand up calmly and intelligently and defend you against all charges.