Driving under the influence is a crime in Georgia as it is in every state. If you have a DUI charge, the matter will, therefore, go to a criminal court. While you have the right to represent yourself, you are unlikely to have the skills to properly defend yourself. Even lawyers should forgo the urge to represent themselves in a court of law. Not being able to defend yourself is nothing to be embarrassed about. Not having legal knowledge and trial know-how can put you at a severe disadvantage.
There’s a lot at stake when you face charges of driving with under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You face jail time, heavy fines, and the loss of your drivers’ license. Even when you regain your driving privileges, you may have to install an ignition interlock device. If a court convicted you of a DUI in the past, the penalties are likely to be more severe. Most people accused of a DUI, therefore, seek to hire a DUI attorney in Athens.
Why Hiring a DUI Attorney in Athens, GA is Essential
Many people who have a DUI charge turn to Google for advice. Although there is a lot of information available online, it is no replacement for an attorney. Not only may the information online be outdated or inaccurate but even when it is correct, it is often very general. Each case has its own unique characteristics which either strengthen it or weaken it. If you’ve been charged, you need a DUI attorney in Athens to apply the law your specific circumstances. They will be able to assess the likelihood of getting the case dropped.
There are several available defenses to a DUI. However, the average person doesn’t know about them. An experienced lawyer will know to look into things like:
- Whether the police had legitimate grounds to pull you over
- How the officer conducted the field test
- How the officer handled the chemical test
- Whether the officer read you your rights
- Whether the arresting officer has ever been accused of misconduct
In cases where you may think it is best to plead guilty, a lawyer may be able to exonerate you. At the very least, you should schedule an initial consultation with a DUI attorney in Athens. Take your police report and other documents associated with your case. This will help the lawyer to answer your questions and advise you accordingly.
Even though you shouldn’t attempt to defend yourself against any DUI, some cases are more serious than others. Some situations where an attorney would be helpful:
- You have been convicted of a previous DUI
- You were arrested for a DUI following an accident
- The accident caused serious injury or death to another person
- A minor was in the vehicle at the time
- You were arrested while driving a commercial vehicle
- Your blood alcohol level was 0.16 or higher
Other Things a DUI Attorney in Athens Can Assist With
When you are charged with a DUI, you will have to deal with both criminal charges and administrative proceedings. A good DUI attorney in Athens will represent in for both aspects of your case and get you the best possible outcome. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to get your license suspension period reduced.
Your attorney will also work to ensure you are prepared for your court appearances. They will help you to understand the court proceedings. They will also help you to file the necessary forms with the Department of Motor Vehicles. You DUI attorney in Athens may also have you enroll in the expected treatment programs or counseling ahead of time. Doing this before the court mandates it during sentencing can help you to get your driving privileges restored sooner.
Contact Athens DUI Lawyers Today!
Reach out to a DUI attorney in Athens if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence. Although you have the right to represent yourself at trial, this is not a good idea. Even though you may save some money, you are likely to waste lots of time. Moreover, the outcome is likely to be unfavorable. If you want to have the best chance of getting the charges dropped or your sentence minimized, you need an attorney. At Athens DUI Lawyers, we’ve handled lots of DUI cases and we know the issues which are likely to arise. We have skilled lawyers who know how to fight on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!