DUI Lawyer to Reduce the Fallout

The stark truth is that the penalties today for drinking and driving are incredibly stiff. The damage and danger posed by intoxicated drivers is terrifying. There is a real need and a real benefit to incredibly harsh punishments in the hopes of deterring offenders. The fact is however that many people get caught on their first offense and are facing seriously life altering and damaging consequences. All across the country the legal limit has gone incredibly low and the penalties have gotten increasingly strict. Mandatory jail time, suspension of driving privileges, fines, ignition interlock devices and more are all possible and probable repercussions. The best way to navigate this process, which is so fraught with pitfalls and dangers, is to find a good DUI lawyer. However, that can be difficult as well as there are many so-called experts who tout their expertise in order to get a quick buck off of desperate clients. On the bright side there are a few metrics by which to judge the quality of a potential DUI lawyer.

First you have to find someone with experience. This means someone who has tried fifty plus felony drunk driving trials. You should try if possible to find someone who works exclusively as a DUI lawyer. This person will know the many steps necessary in order to make this mistake have the smallest negative impact.

You also want to seek out a DUI lawyer who is going to fight to keep the case from going to trial. It seems counterintuitive but you want someone who has successfully defended many cases but also someone who wants to avoid a trial. A trial is the last thing you want especially if you are guilty. Instead you want to find an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the process and can help prevent a license suspension and can hopefully talk to the prosecution about getting a reduced or dropped charge. Often in order to avoid their won cost and time commitment and especially for first time offenders the district attorney will be open to a drunk driving course, community service and a fine. Other times there are alternate avenues that can be pursued that may lead to a better outcome. The only way to find out is to get a good attorney of one’s own.

Finally every DUI lawyer will tell you that the best way to avoid the strict punishments of a drunk driving charge is to never drink and drive. With today’s lowered limits and increased patrols even one drink can be too much. No matter what the inconvenience of taking a cab, sleeping on the couch or walking home is better than a night in jail and the prospect of tackling this legal process. Even when it works out in the best possible way it still can be a seriously damaging thing to have on one’s record.