Lowry Legal, LLC HomeA DUI Defense Lawyer is Essential When You’re Charged with Drunk Driving
If you’ve been charged with a DUI and the facts of your case are straightforward, it might seem like a waste of money to hire a DUI Defense Lawyer. However, DUI law is difficult to comprehend for the average person who lacks legal training in how to minimize the consequences. An oversight in handling a DUI charge can easily lead to a conviction that could have been avoided. Whether you go with a private DUI Defense Attorney or a public defender, you’re generally better off with an attorney than you are representing yourself.
Public Defenders Compared to Private LawyersDefendants who can’t afford an attorney are entitled to court-appointed counsel, usually, lawyers who work for the public defender’s office, but when a public defender isn’t available, the court will appoint a private DUI Defense Lawyer who is paid by the court to represent indigent criminal defendants.
Defendants often complain about not getting enough attention from their court-appointed attorney. Court-appointed counsel—especially public defenders—are usually very busy. It can be difficult for a defendant to receive quality one-on-one time with an appointed attorney—another good reason to hire a DUI Defense Lawyer who has the time to dedicate to your case.
Another issue with having a court-appointed DUI lawyer is that you may be at a disadvantage. A DUI arrest leads to two proceedings—a criminal court case and administrative license-suspension proceedings through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A court-appointed attorney handles your criminal court case, but only a DUI Defense Lawyer can assist with both criminal court case and DMV proceedings.
Hiring the Right DUI Defense LawyerMany Defense Attorneys handle DUI cases, so choosing who to hire can be difficult. There’s no perfect formula for finding a good DUI Defense Lawyer, but you’re best served to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable in DUI law.
Many DUI Defense Lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Meeting a DUI Defense Attorney in person allows you to find out about compatibility issues. Whatever your process for finding an attorney is, contacting a DUI Defense Attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest is crucial.
