The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that there are more than one million DUI arrests annually in the United States. Many people don’t know or don’t understand certain aspects of DUI. One such factor is what your lawyer can do for you if you are indeed guilty of DUI. A Spartanburg DUI lawyer can’t make a guilty person innocent, but they can help mitigate the damage.
A criminal defense attorney in Spartanburg, South Carolina from the Bateman Law Firm will assist you if you are accused of a DUI. Just because you were intoxicated does not mean you should not have representation.
Here’s how it may play out.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help If You’re Guilty?
The primary question in this situation is simple: were you drunk? There must be perfect openness between the lawyer and their client. Therefore if you, the client, agree that you were indeed drunk (if that was the case), your lawyer can prepare the defense accordingly.
In either case, the way the case proceeds will depend on what information you disclose to the lawyer (but not to anyone else). You can expect your lawyer’s support in the following ways.
Reducing Your Penalties
If you were caught drunk driving by the police, it is quite improbable that you will not be sentenced to any form of penalty under the law. It is feasible for your DUI lawyer to present your case with an emotional plea and logical reasoning to lower your sentence to something you can afford financially and professionally.
It is, however, unrealistic to expect your lawyer to shield you from any court proceedings because, at the end of the day, you did commit a crime. You are guilty of DUI.
Understanding Your Position Under the Law
Most laws and their applicability are unknown to ordinary citizens. Therefore, you must never try to deal with a DUI charge on your own, and instead, hire a DUI lawyer to represent you and move forward once you’ve clearly understood your legal position.
Your lawyer will ensure that you are informed of your rights, allowing you to avoid unnecessary attention and the risk of saying anything that might be used against you. Furthermore, your lawyer understands the regulations governing punishments meted out to persons guilty of DUI, and will thus act prudently, in your best interests.
Representing You At Trial
If you choose to go to trial, your lawyer can represent you. This means that your lawyer will present your defense and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. Your lawyer can also help you appeal the decision if you are found guilty of DUI.
Preserving Your Confidence
Your DUI lawyer is responsible for acting as your vote of confidence when you are feeling down and believe that this spot on your life’s slate will result in major setbacks for you. When a lawyer promises you that action may be taken on your behalf, you should feel a lot more assured.
Negotiating With the Prosecutor for a Plea Bargain or a Reduced Sentence
One of the most significant things a DUI lawyer may do for you is to negotiate a plea bargain or a lower sentence with the prosecution. The prosecutor determines what charges to file against you and what punishment to propose. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to negotiate with the prosecution to obtain the best possible result for you.
A DUI lawyer can also investigate the facts of your case and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. If there are any holes in their case, your lawyer can exploit them to your advantage. Your attorney can also help you prepare for trial by working with you to develop a defense strategy.
What Kind of Penalties Can You Expect If Found Guilty of DUI?
DUI convictions come with a variety of punishments. Fines, jail time, community service, and losing your driver’s license are all possibilities. The specific penalties you incur will be determined by the facts of your case.
For example, if this is your first DUI offense, you may have to pay a fine, enter a treatment program, and have your license suspended for six months. If you have a history of DUI convictions or were involved in an accident that resulted in damage or death, you may face much harsher consequences, such as prison time.
What to Do If You’re Caught Driving Drunk
Don’t disobey the arresting officer. Giving the police a tough time will not help your position (resisting arrest is a separate charge on its own). You will be facing additional penalties on top of the punishment for drunk driving.
It’s crucial to remember that even if you are guilty of DUI, you still have rights. You have the right to an attorney and the ability to fight the charges brought against you. Remember that the prosecution must prove you are guilty. A DUI attorney will advise you on the best strategy for your case.
Strategies Used By DUI Lawyers to Reduce Sentences or Get Charges Dropped
A DUI attorney may employ various techniques to lower your sentence or get the charges against you withdrawn.
- Challenging the arresting officer’s evidence.
- Claiming that the police lacked probable cause to stop you.
- Claiming that the field sobriety tests were done incorrectly.
- Claiming that the breathalyzer test was not correctly done.
- Raising alternative defenses particular to your circumstance.
An experienced DUI attorney will know which techniques are most likely to succeed in your case and will work to obtain the best possible result.
Let Our DUI Lawyers in Spartanburg Help You
Whether you are innocent or guilty of DUI, the best thing you can do is contact the Bateman Law Firm right away so we can assign a capable criminal defense attorney in Spartanburg to represent you.
Not only will our attorney represent you in court to try to get the charges dropped or at least significantly reduced, but we’ll also represent you during police interviews so that you don’t say something that unwittingly could get you in more hot water.
Don’t wait; if you’ve been pulled over for DUI and charged, contact our DUI lawyers in Spartanburg, South Carolina as soon as you can make that first phone call.
Given the situation, this is the best phone call you can make!