It can happen to almost anyone. You are driving home at night. Everything seems to be fine. Then, it happens; you hear the sirens, and you look in your rearview mirror and see the red lights flashing. You are being pulled over by the police.
The officer asks you for your wallet and proof of insurance. Then, he asks you to step outside your car. Once outside of your car, the officer asks you to perform one or more field sobriety exercises. He may ask you to breathe into a Breathalyzer. The officer says, “Sir, I’m arresting you for DUI (Driving Under the Influence).
You place your hands behind your back. You are placed in handcuffs and seated in the backseat of a police car. The next stop is downtown where you are booked on DUI charges.
You may be given the option at the police station of taking a breath, urine or blood test. You are given the opportunity to call an attorney. You are placed in jail.
What has just happened to you? What are you going to do? How serious is this? What can happen to you? Can you handle this yourself? Or, are you going to need a lawyer? If so, what kind of an attorney are you going to need?
These are all questions you may ask yourself, if this is something that happens or has happened to you. The answers to these questions may affect you for the rest of your life.
What has happened to you is that you have been placed under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). These two terms, DUI and DWI, are used interchangeably in most states to mean the same thing.
The next thing you need to know is that this is a very serious matter. Even if this is your first DUI arrest, you may face time in jail and a long driver’s license suspension. In many states, judges are being required to give out stricter DUI penalties and fines. Other DUI Penalties and consequences you may face for first time DUI charges are mandatory attendance at drug and alcohol classes (DUI School) and community service.
This is definitely not something you should try to take care of yourself. You may need the help of an attorney. But, how do you choose the right lawyer for this situation?
Family lawyers and those who have a general law practice are wonderful, but are they the right ones for you as you face DUI charges? A DUI/DWI conviction is something that can affect you for the rest of your life. You do not want to place your fate and future in the hands of just any lawyer.
You may need an attorney who knows DUI Laws and DUI penalties. You may need an attorney who practices in Drunk Driving cases. You may need a DUI/DWI attorney.
DUI laws are ever changing and complex. The DUI process is also complex. A DUI/DWI attorney is aware of the changes in DUI law as they happen. The DUI/DWI lawyer has to be. This is what the DUI/DWI attorney practices. Drunk driving cases are the type of cases a DUI/DWI lawyer works with every day. A DUI/DWI attorney has the research, information, legal techniques and experience to give you help with your DUI charges.
Because of his knowledge and experience with DUI/DWI cases, a DUI/DWI attorney may be able to do what a general practice lawyer can not do. A DUI/DWI attorney understands the many issues involved in a DUI case and can fight to reduce your dui penalties and maintain your freedom. A DUI/DWI lawyer may even be able to get your case dismissed or your sentence reduced.
The most important question you may have is, “What is this going to cost me?” You may say, “I see how a DUI/DWI attorney is what I need, but can I afford a DUI/DWI lawyer? How much do they charge?” I do not have a lot of money to pay as a retainer.
The real question may not be whether you can afford to hire a DUI/DWI attorney, but can you afford not to. Most reputable and experienced DUI/DWI attorneys make it easy for you to afford their legal services. Free consultations and payment plans with no down payment may be available. Some of the things you need to be sure and ask about concerning payment options for your DUI/DWI attorney fees are:
Do not ever forget that DUI charges and DUI penalties and consequences are a serious matter even if this is your first DUI arrest. Do not make the mistake of trying to handle this yourself. Do not get just any lawyer. Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in the world. What you need is the services of a local DUI/DWI attorney.
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