If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. There definitely are pros and cons to hiring an attorney for your DUI case. On the one hand, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. On the other hand, an attorney can be expensive and you may be able to handle your case on your own. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire an attorney for your DUI case depends on your individual circumstances.

The Pros of Hiring a DUI Attorney

  1. An Attorney Can Help You Understand the Legal Process
    If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s likely that you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Hiring an experienced attorney can explain the legal process to you in plain English and help you understand what to expect at each step of the way.
  2. An Attorney Can Help You Build a Defense
    If you choose to go to trial, an attorney will be invaluable in helping you build a strong defense. An attorney will know what evidence to look for and how to cross-examine witnesses. If you’re going to trial, hiring an attorney is a no-brainer.
  3. An Attorney Can Negotiate a Plea Bargain
    If you decide to plead guilty, an experienced DUI attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. For example, a defendant who pleads guilty to a first-time DUI offense may be sentenced to probation and community service rather than jail time.
  4. An Attorney Can Help You Get Your License Reinstated
    After your license is suspended following a DUI conviction, you’ll have to go through the process of getting it reinstated. This can be a complicated process, but an experienced DUI attorney can help make sure that everything is done correctly so that you can get your license back as quickly as possible.
  5. An Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
    The Constitution guarantees certain rights to criminal defendants, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. An experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process and ensure that you are treated fairly by law enforcement and prosecutors alike.

The Cons of Hiring a DUI Attorney

  1. Attorneys Can Be Expensive
    Depending on the severity of your charges and whether or not you go to trial, hiring a DUI attorney can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
  2. You May Be Able to Represent Yourself
    In some cases, defendants choose to represent themselves in court because they cannot afford to hire a DUI attorney or because they believe that their case is simple enough that they don’t need one. While this is certainly an option, it’s important to remember that navigating the legal system is complicated and challenging, even for attorneys with years of experience. If you decide to represent yourself in court, make sure that you do plenty of research ahead of time so that you understand the applicable laws and procedures.
  3. You Might Not Need an Attorney If You Plead Guilty
    If you decide to plead guilty without going to trial, chances are good that you won’t need an attorney. In many jurisdictions, defendants who plead guilty are allowed to do so without representation. However, even if this is allowed in your jurisdiction, it’s always best to consult with an experienced DUI attorney before making any decisions about pleading guilty or representing yourself in court.

Additional Items to Consider

  1. The Severity of the Crime
    If you have been charged with a DUI, the severity of the charge will play a role in whether or not you need an attorney. For example, if this is your first offense and your blood alcohol content (BAC) was below 0.08%, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed by completing a court-approved DUI program. On the other hand, if this is your second offense or your BAC was above 0.08%, you will likely need an attorney to help you avoid jail time.
  2. The Potential for Jail Time
    Another factor to consider is the potential for jail time. If there is a chance that you could go to jail if convicted of a DUI, it is important to have an attorney who can help you avoid that outcome. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to negotiate with prosecutors and may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, there are several things to consider before deciding whether or not hiring a DUI attorney is right for you. On the one hand, attorneys can be expensive; on the other hand, they offer invaluable assistance if you decide to go to trial. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to hire an attorney for your DUI case depends on your individual circumstances.

At Mayhew Law, we have flat rates so you know what you are going to pay and to relieve any financial stress that may cause. Let us help you get through your DUI case. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us today!