Getting pulled over and arrested for DUI is scary. Even if you have a good Athens DUI defense lawyer, that doesn’t mean your charges are going to magically disappear. You could still be convicted even if you have the best attorney on Earth. That’s because the State could have very strong evidence against you. For example, if you blew a BAC of .15 at the time of your arrest, it’s going to be hard to convince the state that you weren’t drunk. The same is true if you’re caught with open containers of alcohol in your car, along with drug paraphernalia. However, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the charges against you reduced or dismissed if you have a seasoned Athens DUI defense lawyer.
Having an Attorney Could Be the Difference Between a Conviction and an Acquittal
As mentioned above, there is no such thing as a “get out of jail free” card in real life. You can have an amazing attorney. But if the state has a really solid case, there’s only so much your Athens DUI defense lawyer can do to help. You need to remember that, once you’re convicted, the judge will have to sentence you.
Your attorney may be able to demonstrate mitigating circumstances to the prosecutor and convince them to recommend a light sentence. This isn’t possible if you’re handling the case on your own. Like it or not, the prosecutor is going to be a lot more willing to meet with your lawyer than you. Having an attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. It’s worth every penny if it results in a lighter sentence, dismissal, or reduction of the charges.
If Convicted, You’ll Be Facing a Lot in Fines
If you’re convicted of DUI, you’ll be facing very serious penalties. You could be facing jail time as well as heavy fines. In addition, your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of time. Having a seasoned Athens DUI defense lawyer available will help increase your chances of an acquittal. Even if they can’t get the charges dismissed, they may be able to get them reduced to reckless driving. This will result in much lower fines than if you’re convicted. This is why you need to smart when you consider the costs of hiring a good attorney. It’s worth every penny if it results in a better outcome.
Your Insurance Rates Will Skyrocket with a DUI Conviction
If you’re convicted of DUI, several things will happen. Obviously, you could end up in jail for several months or even a year. You may have to pay several thousands of dollars in fine. Once your insurance company learns that you’ve been convicted of DUI, they will raise your premiums. Knowing that you drink and drive, they’ll fear that you’re a risk going forward. They will want you to pay higher rates in case they have to pay a huge price down the road. Your Athens DUI defense lawyer is going to try to prevent these things from happening. If they’re successful, you won’t be so concerned with how much it costs to retain your attorney.
You Don’t Want to Jeopardize Your Professional License
It’s not just commercial drivers whose livelihoods are at stake with a DUI conviction. Anybody holding a professional license is at risk of having their license revoked. This includes people who do the following:
- Lawyers
- Doctors
- Drivers
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Dentist
- Nurse
- CPA
Having an experienced Athens DUI defense lawyer may be the only thing that stands between you and a revoked professional license. It’s worth every penny if your attorney is able to somehow keep your license from being suspended or revoked.
You’ll Be at a Disadvantage without an Athens DUI Defense Lawyer
From a practical standpoint, you’re at an advantage if you have an Athens DUI defense lawyer. It may not sound nice, but the prosecutor doesn’t give defendants the time of day. You could stand outside the prosecutor’s office all day and not get a chance to talk to them about your case. Your attorney, however, can poke their head into the prosecutor’s office and negotiate a settlement within minutes. The prosecutor takes people more seriously when they hire an attorney. This is why you should call our office and schedule your initial consultation. It’s important that you have someone by your side throughout the entire legal process.