12 Signs You Need to Hire a DUI Lawyer
One person every 45 minutes dies from a drunk-driving accident in the United States. Driving under the influence (DUI) unfortunately affects millions of people every year—a serious problem that can’t be swept under the rug.
What if you’re someone who’s facing a DUI charge? Consequences for conviction can be severe—fines, improvement, and a license suspension. This is why you must take the arrest seriously and hire a DUI lawyer right away.
There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer if you’ve been driving under the influence. Read our guide to learn what signs to look for if that’s the case.
1. You Have Been Arrested for a DUI
The most apparent and obvious reason for needing a DUI lawyer is if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence. A DUI charge is difficult and complex to navigate without one. If you seek the help of a qualified DUI lawyer, they’ll assist you and protect your rights.
A DUI lawyer will thoroughly understand the laws and procedures surrounding a DUI case. They’ll be able to develop the best defense strategy for your specific case.
2. You Are Facing a Repeat DUI Charge
A repeat DUI charge is more than enough reason to hire a DUI lawyer. First-time offenders won’t face as harsh a penalty as repeat offenders. If you have a prior arrest for a DUI, you may encounter longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
By hiring a DUI attorney, you’ll gain knowledge and an understanding of the potential consequences of your repeat offense. Their defense strategy will take your prior convictions into account.
3. Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Was High
Another reason you will need to hire a DUI lawyer is if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is too high. The higher your blood alcohol content, the stronger the severity of your penalties will be if you’re faced with conviction.
A DUI lawyer can challenge the accuracy of the BAC test results while providing you with a strong defense case against the charges.
4. You Refused to Take a Chemical Test
Refusal to take a chemical test (like a breathalyzer or blood test) after being arrested for a DUI signifies that you’ll need to hire a DUI lawyer. When you refuse to do so, this can result in an automatic license suspension (even if you’re found not guilty of the DUI charge).
By hiring a DUI lawyer, you’ll understand the consequences of refusing to take a chemical test. They’ll also be able to guide you and build a defense against your particular charges.
5. Challenging Breathalyzer Results
If you do decide to take a breathalyzer test, did you know the results may be faulty? Breathalyzer tests can sometimes be unreliable and subject to error.
A DUI lawyer will be able to challenge a breathalyzer test and its accuracy and provide you with a strong defense for the case.
6. You Were Involved in an Accident
Any involvement in a car accident while driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol) is reason enough to hire a DUI lawyer. Accidents occurring while driving under the influence can result in serious criminal charges—including vehicular manslaughter.
7. Evidence Is Limited or Circumstantial
Limited or circumstantial evidence opens up the possibility to challenge the case against you. Hiring a DUI lawyer will work in your favor since they’ll be able to review the device and determine if there are any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to be used to your advantage.
8. You Were Not Read Your Rights
If you weren’t read your Miranda rights at the time of your arrest we encourage you to hire a DUI lawyer. The reason is that it may be possible to have any evidence (during the arrest) excluded from your trial.
Top rated DUI lawyers will not only protect your rights, but they can challenge the admissibility of this evidence.
9. Improperly Conducted Field Sobriety Tests
During the time of arrest, a field sobriety test will be used to determine if someone was driving under the influence or not. The results of an improperly conducted sobriety test may not be admissible in court.
If that’s the case, a DUI lawyer will challenge the legitimacy and build a strong defense case in your favor.
10. You Were Not Driving the Vehicle
Were you issued a DUI as a passenger? This happens on occasion. If this has happened to you, a DUI lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.
11. The Stop Was Improper
Any evidence during an improper police stop may not be admissible in court. Hiring a DUI lawyer will bode well for you since they can challenge the legality of the stop and help you with a strong defense case.
12. You Were Not Fully Understood
Sometimes it may just come down to being misunderstood at the time of your arrest. This may happen if there is a language barrier or if you have a speech or hearing impediment. A DUI attorney can challenge any misunderstandings that took place under your arrest and provide you with a strong defense case.
Hiring a DUI Lawyer Works in Your Favor
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), it’s important to pay attention to the signs that point to the need to hire a DUI lawyer. By doing so, you’ll be provided with the best defense possible, protect your rights, and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Sometimes a DUI conviction can result in long-lasting and life-altering consequences. For this reason, you’ll want to take things as seriously as possible. With the right legal representation, you’ll be putting your best foot forward for your case and future.
Navigating the legal waters can be complex and tricky. To stay informed, be sure to read our blog regularly.
