My name is Danielle Diaz. One of the things I've learned in life, both inside and outside the courtroom, is that it is important to not see others as your enemy. Even though you may see the prosecutor as your enemy, he or she is just trying to do a job. It may be possible that you can get a prosecutor or the judge to be sympathetic and get him or her on your side. In order to accomplish this, you need to understand the law. I feel that most individuals do not understand the law, which is why I was motivated to create this blog.
Douglas Thompson
An arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious legal issue that should always be taken seriously. Sometimes, however, defendants in DUI cases fail to hire legal representation because of concerns about the cost of the retainer and fees. The lack of an attorney can place defendants at a serious disadvantage as they attempt to deal with the aftermath of the arrest and the consequences they may face if convicted.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a DUI or DWI offense, here are some very important reasons to seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible.
1. Understanding what to expect
The first reason to consult an attorney when faced with a DUI or DWI charge is to fully understand how the charge will affect your life, occupation, and family. Many attorneys offer an initial consultation for free or for a nominal fee that can help defendants and their families realize the full impact a DUI or DWI conviction might have on their educational opportunities, career and earnings.
2. Retaining driving privileges
The loss of driving privileges can occur quickly after an arrest for DUI or DWI. When this happens, defendants may struggle to attend work or school and take care of the daily needs of their families. An experienced DUI attorney can often assist their clients in navigating the local court system and laws to find appropriate options for the defendant to retain full or limited driving privileges while their case is making its way through the court system.
3. Seeking out pertinent facts
It is not uncommon to find errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in the report filed by the officer or officers who make the DUI arrest. This is particularly true in situations where the officer involved may have made several arrests in a short time, such as during a planned DWI checkpoint on a busy street.
Unfortunately, defendants who attempt to navigate the court system on their own may not be in a position to discover any of the potential inconsistencies that may exist in the official arrest report.
In contrast, attorneys who specialize in DUI and DWI cases routinely review the arrest reports, seek witness accounts, and take other actions designed to discover and address any errors or inconsistencies that might damage their client's case. Some DUI attorneys even have private investigators on staff to assist with verifying facts associated with the arrest.
If you have been charged with DUI or DWI, contact a DUI attorney to learn more about handling your case.