Why Is It Important to Hire a DUI Lawyer for Your DUI Issue?
First, we need to define what DUI is. DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” In legal parlance, it can be used interchangeably with DWI, which stands for “Driving While Impaired” or “Driving While Intoxicated.” Both terms refer to driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substance that can impair motor as well as mental skills.
DUI or DWI, according to the Uniform Crime Reports or UCR is a Part II crime. Typically, it is treated as a misdemeanor at the first offense. This, however, is not always the case if the DUI causes injury or property damage in result; in this case (and in cases where the DUI is not a first offense), the DUI charge can become and be treated as a felony. Many states also have various DUI levels and classifications, too, and this leads to even more confusion.
A DUI Attorney is Important
Given the complexity of a DUI charge, you clearly need the expert assistance of a DUI lawyer if you are facing such an issue. Without a DUI/DWI attorney’s help, you may make the wrong decisions that could have long-term repercussions on your life.
Remember that a DUI is a criminal offense. Pleading guilty for the sake of getting a plea arrangement with the prosecuting attorney means financial savings in the short term – you won’t need to pay legal fees and other costs associated with your defense. However, what of its long-term consequences?
Conviction under a DUI charge means a criminal record. A DUI conviction can also mean driving license sanctions – say suspension for a certain period of time. A DUI conviction also means your automobile insurance premiums will inevitably increase.
Such consequences can be avoided if you have the help of a competent DWI attorney. Through a DUI lawyer’s help, charges against you may be dropped or your punishment be lightened. Furthermore, a DUI lawyer has the expertise to find holes in the prosecution’s arguments, to challenge their evidence and, overall, to give you the best possible defense. You, acting alone, are probably not going to be very successful in finding all possible arguments that could exonerate you from the charge.
