Those facing DUI charges should consider hiring an attorney for a variety of reasons, but the most important are that witness testimony is unreliable in these cases. However, a DUI Defense Attorney can help bring new, beneficial facts to light. Read on to learn why DUI defendants should have legal representation.
Witnesses’ Memories Fade Over Time
In many DUI cases where witnesses are called, individuals aren’t likely to remember all of the event’s details if days or even weeks have passed. That is why it is important to hire a DUI lawyer right away, as the attorney can interview witnesses and record important facts. By hiring a lawyer right away, a defendant can give himself or herself the best chance of speaking to witnesses immediately.
Lawyers Can Focus on the Facts of the Case
While a person may believe the details of his or her case to be minor, even the most insignificant facts can be vital later in the case. As mentioned earlier, defendants cannot rely on witnesses to remember all of the case’s details. An attorney can focus on the important parts of the case and gather information while it is still fresh in witnesses’ minds.
An Attorney Knows the State’s DUI, Laws
While police rely on field sobriety and breathalyzer test results to build a DUI case against an individual, these tests can be unreliable when protocols aren’t followed. A DUI Defense Attorney can evaluate the state’s evidence and find inconsistencies that may result in reduced or eliminated charges.
The Potential for a Lesser Sentence
Even in DUI cases where there are no viable defenses, an attorney can do much to achieve a lesser sentence for a client. By pointing out the case’s strengths, a lawyer may be able to convince the state to reduce the DUI to a less severe offense. These lawyers know the local courts and their staff, and they can work within the law to get the case in front of a lenient judge in many cases. Attorneys can work to get clients more time to pay fines and fees, and they can guide clients through the process of reinstating their driving privileges. A person charged with DUI can schedule a free consultation with a lawyer via website to protect their future and their freedom.