Legal Trouble After Driving Drunk for the First Time
Although alcoholic beverages are nice to enjoy when being social with friends, consuming too much can be dangerous. Unfortunately, sometimes people get into the groove of drinking and having a good time with friends, and end up consuming more drinks than anticipated. The bad part about consuming too many drinks is that it can interfere with your ability to make sensible decisions, such as whether or not it is safe to drive a vehicle. If you made the mistake of driving drunk for the first time and got arrested, don't rely on a public defender to argue your case in court. Hire your own lawyer so you can choose one who has a good track record and has a higher chance of getting you a satisfactory sentence.
Finding the Right Type of Lawyer to Hire
When you begin searching for a lawyer, be sure to choose one who has a track record specifically working on DUI cases. The reason why is because a DUI lawyer is more likely to know how to make your case go as smooth as possible than a general lawyer would. DUI lawyers usually work on specific types of cases, which makes them experts in defending drunk drivers. You should also make sure the lawyer is one that you can afford, as the fees charged for services can vary. Be sure to ask if you must pay a flat fee or if the fees will need to be paid by the hour, such as taken out of an upfront retainer fee.
How a Lawyer Might Build Your Case
As a first-time offender committing a DUI offense, a lawyer is likely to build your case by showcasing your character. For example, a lawyer might present a judge with your driving record to prove that the DUI crime that you are being charged with is the result of making a poor mistake. Basically, a lawyer will prove to the judge that you are not a repeat offender and that you don't deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Your overall criminal background might be brought up in court if a lawyer believes it will help your case.
Keeping a Clean Record After Bailing Out
After you are bailed out of jail for the DUI offense, it is important to keep a clean record. You must understand that any crimes committed during the time that your DUI case is still going on can be used against you in court. A lawyer might even suggest that you undergo an alcohol treatment program when you are bailed out. The reason why is because undergoing treatment can make your DUI case stronger by showing that you are taking steps to avoid committing the same crime again.
For more information, contact a local DUI attorney near you to learn more.