subject: Engaging The Services Of A Defense Lawyer For A Dui Charge [print this page] Ever been charged for a DUI violation? A DUI violation is a ground for the suspension of your license and demands your prompt attention and action. The judge may release you on your own cognizance; otherwise you will need the services of a lawyer to argue your bail for your temporary release.
There are states that consider a DUI violation as two distinct cases. The first will be a criminal case to be filed in court and the other will be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The usual time frame for these cases is for you to face the charges within ten days from your arrest.
The first stage in a criminal case is the arraignment of the accused. You will have to enter a guilty or not guilty plea. The usual plea that your lawyer will advise you to take is not guilty of the charges. This will allow your lawyer to review the circumstances surrounding your case and lay the foundation for your defense.
Your lawyer has many legal options that can be successfully used in your defense and get you off the DUI charge. Your lawyer may argue that you were stopped without probable cause and file a petition to suppress evidence. Another method is to question the reliability of the blood alcohol test and to cast doubt on the truth and veracity of the arresting officer's testimony.
Your lawyer however can use this defense only if the facts are true. If your criminal defense lawyer does not feel that he can make these arguments, he may advise you to accept a plea agreement. This means that you submit a plea of guilty in return for reduced charges or sentencing concessions.
Instead of agreeing to the guilty plea offer, you may opt to take your chances in court, but the adverse consequences if you lose will not be limited to the court sentence. The insurance firms will charge you more if you are a criminal offender and you will also have a criminal record that can cause problems in your future endeavors.
A criminal lawyer will be able to give you expert advice to avoid the worst case scenario. As soon as you are accosted for DUI violation, contact a criminal lawyer to represent and help you understand the legal ramifications and to settle the problem amicably. Even if your lawyer gets the charges dismissed, learn the lesson - don't drink and drive.
