What a DUI Defense Attorney can do for You
In 2007, 25 people were killed in the state of Alaska in alcohol related accidents where at least one driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above. If you are facing heavy fines or serious penalties because of a poor decision to drink and drive, you should seek the help of a DUI defense attorney.
You will most likely need to best DUI attorney if you have seriously injured or killed someone, and if the victims survived the crash, they will most certainly hire their own car accident attorney. There were an average of 8.3 persons per 1,000 arrested for a DUI or DWI in Alaska in 2009.
Your DUI defense attorney will be a better alternative to defending yourself in court, which is not recommended even for the brightest of people. You may have read plenty of law books and have read over the rights you have, but if you haven’t had the previous knowledge of defending yourself or someone else in court, the U.S. court system makes it virtually impossible to win a case without a lawyer.
How much is a DUI attorney, you may ask. Don’t worry about the cost when it comes to having someone that can potentially keep you out of jail. Sure, there may be DUI attorney fees which can average a fairly high amount ($17,000 on average), but having someone competent and knowledgeable in DUI cases is the best option for you. Here are a few jobs your DUI defense attorney will take care of:
- They will work with you and the prosecutor to try and negotiate a deal so you won’t need to go to court. These deals are called plea bargains; these can often reduce your sentence or even eliminate some severe charges against you.
- Your defense attorney will also find a better sentencing program for your particular DUI situation. In the event that you are found guilty, your lawyer may be able to reduce your sentencing (spending 3 months in jail instead of 6, for example).
- Your lawyer isn’t your mother, but they sure can make you feel better about your situation. They can ask any questions you may have regarding the criminal law process and will help you cope with the emotions, such as depression, that come along with being convicted.
- If you decided to defend yourself without a lawyer, you could risk not being able to point out important legal rules and regulations that a DUI defense lawyer would be able to. These lawyers know every nook and cranny of DUI laws and rules and will be able to defend you much better than if you were on your own.
In 2010, an estimated 4,280 pedestrians were killed and around 70,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the United States — don’t contribute to this number. But if you have, seek professional help in the form of a defense lawyer.
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