A 1st time DUI offender should never think about entering into a guilty plea with a trial attorney without first speaking to a DUI lawyer. This is primarily because pleas of guilty too early can still result in costly and potentially serious consequences, not to mention the fact that pleading guilty too soon may also cause your case to be dismissed before it has even concluded. A DUI conviction on your record stays with you forever. You may even have to endure added fines on top of whatever penalties you were already ordered to pay.
- It is true that you should not take the first offer that your DUI lawyer offers, as this is something that he or she does not know about your situation and will most likely not have the ability to negotiate a good deal for you. But if you do not receive the best possible deal from your attorney at the first time, try calling back and asking for some advice. Chances are that your attorney did not even know what they were doing!
- A good DUI attorney will be well versed in all matters regarding DUI laws, defense procedures and even DUI/DWI laws that apply to you. Before you give your initial consultation, be sure to ask about his or her rate and charges. It is also a good idea to find out how long it will take to resolve the DUI case and what is the cost involved in such a resolution. Make sure you get the answers you are looking for!
- Even if you decide that you do not need a DUI lawyer at this point in time, remember that you will certainly need one later on. A DUI conviction on your record will almost certainly bar you from future legal representation. In fact, many states explicitly state this law. The sooner you resolve your DUI situation and the sooner you get yourself back on the road, the better. There is no doubt that your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of time, as will most any other ticket that you receive for being DUI.
- So what exactly should you look for when hiring a DUI attorney? First of all, be sure that he or she is experienced in representing people with first-time DUI convictions. Not only must your lawyer have the expertise to win your case, but he or she should also be well versed in all aspects of DUI law. Many states have specific laws regarding the procedure for expunging a DUI record, including what type of proof your attorney needs to have and what is required of you. If your attorney is not familiar with these laws, then it would be a good idea to see if you can get a referral from someone who is.
Good DUI lawyers will know all the details of the DUI statute that applies to you. For example, some states have a “probationary license,” which means you cannot operate a vehicle for a certain number of days before your DUI conviction is granted. This can be a huge problem, as many people are unaware of this law.
In this situation, if you hire the right lawyer, he or she can help you schedule your sentencing in such a way that you don’t have to be behind the bars for as long as possible. So make sure that your 1st time DUI lawyers have your best interests at heart!
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