Being charged with a DUI or DWI can be an extremely stressful and frightening experience. When many people are involved in these proceedings, they don’t know when to hire a lawyer. It is common for people to seek legal guidance when they have been arrested for a DUI or DWI charge. According to Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, here are the circumstances surrounding when you should get the help of a lawyer.
You have been arrested twice in less than two years for the same offense
If you have been arrested twice in less than two years for the same offense, it may be a sign that your case might be complicated to win. If you’re facing criminal charges, hiring a lawyer may help you avoid negative consequences and make sure you are able to defend yourself.
Additionally, if your case is not straightforward, a qualified attorney can help you make the best decision for your future.
You have been previously convicted of driving under the influence
If you have been previously convicted of driving under the influence, you will likely face a more serious sentence than someone who has not. If you were charged with driving while intoxicated and had a previous conviction, your judge might order that your license be revoked for life. This means that the only way to get back on the road is to go through a lengthy reinstatement process.
If you are involved in any of these circumstances, it is recommended that you hire an attorney to help navigate the legal system. This is not just because it will likely lead to a longer sentence; it’s because most people don’t know how the court system works, and without an attorney, they won’t have an advocate fighting for them. They may end up taking plea bargains or facing harsher consequences than they should have due to a lack of legal representation.
You were arrested for a DUI/DWI offense in a school zone
The law states that you cannot drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of how close to school grounds you were.
If you are arrested in a designated school zone for driving under the influence, then your attorney will be able to help with determining whether or not it is appropriate for you to plead guilty. The lawyer can also help argue on your behalf if there is any confusion about which charges should be filed by the prosecutor.
If you are convicted of driving under the influence in a designated school zone, then your sentence will include up to six months of jail time and five years’ probation.
You were arrested for a DUI/DWI offense while driving a commercial vehicle
If you were driving a commercial vehicle and were charged with DUI/DWI while operating it, you should hire an attorney immediately. These offenses are considered to be aggravated offenses and are categorized as “infractions” in most states. If this is the case, your state’s penalties could include jail time or loss of your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Depending on the severity of your charge, you may already be facing consequences that need legal assistance to navigate them correctly and properly. Having an attorney who can help you file motions to dismiss charges or fight for a favorable plea bargain will ensure that your case doesn’t escalate further than necessary.
You were arrested for a DUI/DWI offense in a public park or on private property
When you are under arrest in a public place or on private property such as your home or office, the police have the right to search your person, car, and house. If the police find any incriminating evidence related to driving under the influence (DUI), they will charge you with a DUI. At that point, you should seek legal advice by hiring an attorney who can help you navigate this difficult process.
Your attorney will be able to guide how to prepare for trial if you decide that is best for your case. Beyond providing legal advice, attorneys may also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges on your behalf. In some cases, if the evidence against you is not strong enough for a conviction, attorneys may be able to get charges dismissed outright.
A DUI/DWI charge can have serious consequences and require extensive legal knowledge to defend against. You should only hire a lawyer if you have a valid reason to do so. If you need help defending against a DUI/DWI charge, contact an experienced criminal attorney who can guide you on the best course of action.
