Deciding whether to hire an attorney to represent you for a driving under the influence charge or a driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration charge can be a difficult decision. However, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable DWI/DUAC lawyer definitely has its benefits. An experienced attorney at Hollingshead & Dudley can not only guide you through complicated court and administrative proceedings but we can help you determine your best chances for a successful outcome.
While not every DWI/DUAC case is complex, it is often a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case. You may decide after an initial consultation with a lawyer that you want to represent yourself; however, even a minor, first time DWI conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, license suspensions, and a criminal record. An experienced DWI/DUAC attorney will have a better idea of whether it is possible to obtain a less severe sentence depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, and can help you achieve such a sentence.
Although some people choose to represent themselves if they have been charged with a minor, first time DUI, other circumstances dictate that you seriously consider hiring a knowledgeable DWI/DUAC attorney. Your DWI or DUAC charge may be harder to fight on your own, and you have the potential to face more severe penalties under the following circumstances:
- This is your second DWI, or you already have more than one DWI;
- Your arrest for DWI or DUAC was the result of an accident;
- The accident caused serious bodily injury or death to another person;
- You were arrested for DWI or DUAC while driving a commercial vehicle;
- Your blood alcohol concentration was double the legal limit, or 0.16 percent or higher.
In these situations, a DWI or DUAC conviction can result in hefty fines, significant jail time, lengthy license suspensions, and even license revocation. These statutory penalties do not include the effects that a DUI or DUAC conviction can have on your everyday life such as your ability to obtain and keep a job, or even your ability to qualify for a student loan. An experienced and competent DWI/DUAC attorney can carefully review the facts and evidence in your case to help you determine how to best proceed under the circumstances. Unlike the average person, an attorney that knows how to handle DWI and DUAC cases can discuss and explain your legal options, and can bring forth the most effective defense strategy possible, increasing your chances for a successful outcome.
If you have been arrested and charged with DWI or DUAC it is important that you speak with an experienced DWI/DUAC attorney as soon as possible. We will review the evidence, discuss your legal options, and help determine how to best proceed in your case so that you can obtain the best results possible.
