Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI?
Whether you believe your arrest was unfounded or you have been told there is clear evidence against you, consulting with a knowledgeable DUI lawyer is always in your best interest. DUI attorneys handle cases like yours every day, and they know all the nuances that can affect the outcome of a case.
So if you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, don’t run the risk of severe penalties without getting legal advice from a trusted Nevada criminal defense lawyer. Contact the Joel M. Mann – Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can make a difference in your case.
What Can a DUI Lawyer Do for You?
A DUI arrest is scary, and the prospect of jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record can be even more frightening. The truth is, even a first-offense DUI charge is a serious matter. Hiring a respected Las Vegas DUI lawyer will enable you to make the best decisions about how to proceed with your case.
Evaluate the evidence and circumstances of your case.
Your attorney will assess all the facts of your case, obtaining all the information the prosecutor and police have gathered to use against you. Your lawyer will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including potential violations of your rights during the arrest and problems with the evidence. Then, you and your attorney will discuss all the options for crafting a strong defense against the DUI charge, as well as the potential outcomes.
Act quickly to request a hearing to get your license back.
In Nevada, your license is automatically revoked for 185 days if chemical tests show that your blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 or above. However, you have seven days to request a hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles to argue to get your license back. Your attorney may also gain an understanding of weaknesses in the prosecution’s case during this DMV hearing.
Argue to have the charges reduced or dropped.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may believe there is enough doubt to argue for the case to be dismissed. Or your attorney may make the case for the charge to be reduced to reckless driving in order to minimize penalties. Your DUI attorney will also advise you on any plea bargains to ensure you are taking all factors into consideration and making the best decision for you.
Devise a defense that addresses aggravating circumstances.
In some situations, you may be facing a more serious felony DUI charge, rather than a misdemeanor. If your arrest involved aggravating circumstances such as injuries or death in a crash, or if this is not your first DUI offense, you need an attorney who has extensive experience handling these more serious cases.
Present a strong defense at trial.
Although most cases can be resolved before they go to trial, you should never risk going before a judge without an attorney. Even if you have a strong case, there are many procedures that must be followed at trial. Having a seasoned defense attorney on your side will ensure you don’t risk losing your case on technical mistakes. In addition, your attorney will take extra steps to strengthen your defense at trial, such as hiring expert witnesses to support your case.
Common Weaknesses in DUI Cases
There can be many mistakes and problems with the case the prosecution puts together against you, and your attorney’s job is to uncover all these holes. Some of the questions your DUI defense attorney will examine include:
- Was the traffic stop legal?
- Were there problems with how the field sobriety tests were performed?
- Are the results of the field sobriety tests questionable?
- Are the chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine) accurate?
- Was your blood alcohol content below 0.08?
- Did police officers break any rules in your arrest, such as failing to read your Miranda rights or not handling evidence properly?
- Can the State prove you were driving?
Remember, the burden is on the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and there will be many opportunities for an experienced Las Vegas defense attorney to fight the charges against you. So it is critical to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible to ensure you do not give the prosecution more of a head start than they should have.
What to Look for When Hiring a DUI Lawyer
When choosing a DUI defense lawyer, you need an attorney who demonstrates:
- A commitment to educating you about the law to ensure you can make informed decisions about your defense
- Extensive experience handling DUI cases like yours
- A long track record of success in misdemeanor and felony DUI cases
- Compassion for your situation and the circumstances you are dealing with
If you are ready to speak with a skilled DUI attorney about your case, please contact the Joel M. Mann – Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer now. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Public Defender vs. Private Defense Attorney
Some people may consider the option of being represented by a public defender, which the court may appoint at no cost to the defendant. However, the stakes are high in a DUI case, and public defenders are typically dealing with large caseloads and little time to spend with defendants.
In addition, when you choose to be represented by a free public defender, you do not get to choose the attorney. You have no control over how much experience the lawyer has when they will have time to speak with you, or how much time they will spend on your case.
When you choose to hire a private defense attorney, you can assess their credentials and discuss their caseload to ensure they have the experience, energy, and resources to put into your case.
Talk to an Experienced DUI Attorney Today
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, do not hesitate to reach out to the Joel M. Mann – Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer. Joel will meet with you personally to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation.