In the past twenty-five years of handling driving under the influence (DUI) cases in Los Angeles, potential clients ask me all the time whether I think they need an attorney.
When charged with a DUI, the potential consequences are significant. These can include jail time, loss of driving privileges, and a mark on your criminal record. It's crucial to understand that these are not minor issues. Therefore, it's essential to seek legal representation to protect yourself and minimize these potential consequences.
My attitude when it comes to a DUI is that if you have to do it, do it once, do it right, and never do it again! In my opinion, the best way to proceed is to have a seasoned DUI attorney represent you and exhaust every legal avenue on your behalf.
If you have a solid attorney, they will do everything they can to get you the best result, and you will know that you did everything you could to end up with a result you can live with. There is nothing worse than looking back on a situation and being angry that you didn't do everything you could to achieve the best result.
First DUI Offense Has Best Chance Of Dismissal
A first-offense DUI is probably your best opportunity to get the DUI dismissed and end up with a lesser charge. If you have a prior DUI and pick up a new one, the prosecutors are a lot less likely to give you any break.
In other words, the prosecutors and judges will be more inclined to give you a break on a first offense than if you have a criminal record for DUI or any other crimes. Additionally, if you are close to the legal limit, a local, savvy DUI defense attorney will be in an excellent position to assist you.
One significant factor that I believe makes a difference in the context of a first-time DUI is having an attorney, which provides convenience and peace of mind. Many people get very anxious and embarrassed when going to court and dealing with a scary situation like defending a DUI.
The horrible anxiety and worry can be significantly alleviated when you know you have a DUI attorney who knows what they are doing, guiding you through the process. Once you know what you are realistically facing, you can then rest a little easier knowing that it is not the end of the world, and at least your attorney will do damage control for you, and the pressure is off you to get a result or figure out how to resolve your case.
Understand the DUI Process in Los Angeles
Understanding the DUI process can bring a sense of relief. When faced with something that could significantly impact your life, it's natural to feel uneasy until you've educated yourself and taken steps to make things right.
To me, a DUI involves the same mental process and feelings. It would help put the pieces in motion to ensure that you are adequately represented and that your interests are protected.
There is nothing worse than being punished without understanding why or feeling that the punishment is too harsh for what you did. This is where your attorney comes in, striking a balance between what you did and how the judge and prosecutor view you and your actions.
When you meet with your attorney, remember that honesty is your best policy. You've likely heard this before, but it's especially true when it comes to setting the stage for your attorney's representation of you. Being forthright empowers you and ensures your attorney is fully equipped to defend your case.
Suppose you put a spin on what you did and leave out essential details that the judge and prosecutor know about and will likely use against you. In that case, you do yourself a disservice. You put your attorney behind the eight ball from the beginning of the case, primarily since the attorney-client privilege protects everything you say.
Every DUI Case is Unique
Another critical point to take hold of as it relates to DUIs is that they are not all created equal. In other words, there are those DUI cases that fall at the low end of the spectrum because the person arrested did not have a very high blood alcohol level and was not driving dangerously.
And, of course, those scenarios fall at the high end of the spectrum, where things like high speed, dangerous driving, high blood alcohol level, and an accident are involved, causing the case to fall into an area where the consequences can be dire.
Whether your DUI case falls at the low or high end of the spectrum, or somewhere in between, having a skilled attorney on your team is crucial. Their local expertise and legal acumen will give you the best chance of avoiding severe consequences from the judge and prosecutor.
They are looking out for the public, and if they perceive you as a legitimate danger to the public at large, they will come down on you like a ton of bricks, and nothing or no one can stop them except for your attorney.
Having the right attorney on your team can mean the difference between suffering the most severe consequences available to the judge and being given a break that can have a significant impact on your life.
