Do You Need a DUI Lawyer?

Should you hire a DUI attorney to help you with your case? The decision is not so simple.

General advice is that a DUI Lawyer is worth the money if your DUI is either on a very light, or a very heavy side. In the first case a DUI lawyer can help you get off with a clean record; this is certainly worth the investment, as a dui can affect you not just financially, but in some cases prevent you from getting a job. In the second case, especially if people were injured or property was damaged, a good DUI lawyer may mean a difference between 6 days of community service, and 6 months (or more) in jail. That is not something to take lightly.

Many people do not hire a DUI lawyer, among other factors because of embarrassment and shame. If you might be one of these people, consider that an experienced lawyer specializing in DUI has seen hundreds, if not thousands of DUI cases, many of which are more severe and more embarrassing than yours. It is good to think of a DUI lawyer as a devoted friend who will not judge you, but will stand by your side and help you get through your DUI ordeal. This is an important factor when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer. A good attorney will make the whole experience less stressful and more bearable for you, and that in itself might be worth the money.

A competent and experienced DUI lawyer knows all kinds of loopholes in the maze of DUI law, and can come up with the right strategy to keep his client out of trouble. What are some of the things a DUI lawyer can do to clear your record, or to minimize your penalties?

A DUI attorney will thoroughly research the case and check for any logistical errors. He or she can also arrange to have blood samples analyzed by an independent lab. A good lawyer can find ways to arrange for expert and witnesses testimony, if it is beneficial for your case; he can make motion to suppress certain evidence that would otherwise incriminate you; he can negotiate reduced penalties and sentences, and contest license revocation or suspension. DUI lawyers have spent many hundred hours studying technicalities involved in DUI cases, including breath test and drug evaluations and blood analysis, and are experienced at bending the law in your favor.

Cost is definitely a factor when deciding whether to hire an attorney. Most DUI lawyers are very highly paid, but some of them arrange easy payment options. When considering the costs of hiring an attorney, think of how much money your DUI conviction will cost you without the help of a lawyer. There will be many financial ramifications, from the DUI fines, to car insurance increase. There will be also hidden costs that are hard to estimate ahead of time, like a possibility of not getting a desired and a well-paid job because of having a DUI on your criminal record. All of these factors combined make the cost of hiring a DUI lawyer justified for many people. And if you cannot afford a DUI lawyer, don't give up! Call up a few around and see if they will take your case for free. Lawyers are required to do a certain percentage of cases on a pro bono basis. Maybe you are it. Be creative and persuasive.

Perhaps you can negotiate a payment arrangement when you pay only if the charges are dropped, or the penalties are significantly reduced. This provides motivation for your DUI lawyer to work hard. And if he wins, he will definitely save you money and will be worth his weight in gold.

Good luck and drive safely!