Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the leading causes of accidents globally. Alcohol can reduce brain function, impairing proper thinking, decision, and muscle coordination. In the United States, DUI crashes claim at least one person’s life every 39 minutes.That is why drivers are always advised against drinking or using drugs before and while driving.
How the police test for DUI
For most states, drivers must maintain at least a 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. Anything above this is considered a DUI offense. The penalty can be a fine or jail term. The punishment is lenient for first-time offenders and people with lower BAC. It is stiffer for repeat offenders and drivers with very high BAC. If convicted, you may also be restricted from driving for months. Police usually use field sobriety tests to determine whether a driver is DUI. Unfortunately, a report of tests sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed that field sobriety tests are not 100 percent reliable. This means a driver can be wrongfully arrested and convicted of DUI.
Why you should hire a DUI lawyer
Hiring a reputable lawyer, such as a Phoenix DUI defense attorney, can help you avoid being wrongly convicted of a DUI offense. In Arizona, for instance, the minimum jail term for DUI is 24 hours. You may also be fined $250 with a 90 days driver’s license suspension.
This punishment might appear fair and bearable for a first-time offender, but the impact on your normal life is worse. For one, getting convicted of DUI can increase your car insurance by $3,000. People convicted of DUI may also be denied employment, especially for jobs that require driving.
Other expenses you are likely to incur if found guilty of DUI include:
- Traffic programs: If found guilty, you will likely be mandated to take some treatment programs, which could cost up to $500.
- License reinstatement fee: To regain your license after suspension due to DUI, you will pay a reinstatement fee of $150.
- Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): Depending on your state, you may be required to install an IID to prevent you from starting your car whenever you are drunk. This could cost $150 with an additional $80 monthly maintenance fee.
- Towing and impound: Upon the seizure of your vehicle after you are arrested for DUI, the car will be towed and stored. You will have to pay for the towing and storage to retrieve your vehicle. The storage fee is also calculated based on the number of days the car is stored.
Considering the consequences and cost of being convicted for DUI, hiring a DUI defense attorney is cheaper and less stressful. You also stand a good chance of defending yourself against the allegation.
How to choose the best DUI attorney for your case
The verdict you will get from your DUI case will largely be influenced by the kind of DUI lawyer you hire. Below are some things to consider to choose the best for your case;
Search and shortlist DUI lawyers in your area
A good place to start your search is by seeking recommendations from people you trust. They should be able to tell you about law firms to consider and those to avoid.
If you have ever used a lawyer for another case, you can ask the attorney for a good recommendation. If you are ashamed of asking any of these people, check the legal directories in your state.
Years of experience
Avoid hiring a lawyer who does not specialize in DUI, irrespective of the number of years spent in an unrelated field.
Before hiring a DUI lawyer, ensure they have considerable years of experience defending people like you. Experienced lawyers can leverage their understanding of the law to develop a fantastic strategy for your defense.
Credentials
Do thorough research before hiring a DUI lawyer. Check if they have the necessary credentials to represent clients in your area.
Ask questions and confirm if they have ever taken specialized training in BAC to understand how to tackle the allegation against you.
Meet for an in-person consultation
It is important that you feel comfortable talking with your attorney. Meeting them in person will help you decide who you can work it.
Provide the attorney with all the facts of your case, and be vocal about the result you expect.
Payment plans
Compare legal fees to choose the law firm offering the best service for your budget. Request the full breakdown of the costs to avoid any surprise fees down the line.
Law firms usually have a payment plan. Ask them if they are open to negotiating fees in case your financial situation changes in the future.
