Why You Shouldn’t Go to Court for DUI Without a Lawyer
Going to court for DUI without a lawyer is one of the worst mistakes a charged individual can make. However, it is not uncommon for the accused to refuse to call a lawyer. It might be because of the cost of hiring a lawyer, the inability to find a trustworthy and reliable attorney or both. Some defendants believe that DUI cases are straightforward and quickly dealt with, especially if they can plead guilty and hope for a lighter penalty.
DUI cases are not necessarily indefensible. Facing DUI charges does not automatically mean “guilty.” Many extenuating circumstances can help defendants have their cases dismissed, penalties reduced, and even have the DUI case on their criminal record expunged. It takes an excellent lawyer with specialized knowledge in handling DUI cases to flawlessly execute a robust legal defense and come up with an outcome in the defendant’s favor.
As soon as they have been arrested, it is crucial to call an attorney right away. The attorney can mean the difference between a guilty verdict, months in prison, and a few hundred dollars in fines.
Why You Need to Hire a Capable Attorney
Effective DUI defense in Erie PA requires an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law. Lawyers provide the necessary guidance on navigating the court to obtain the best possible scenario in DUI charges. Defendants may act as their own attorney in what is called “pro se representation.”
However, unless the defendant can have a solid grasp of all the applicable laws in drunk driving cases that took lawyers years to master in just a few days, their chances of getting acquitted are slim to none.
Here are the things a top-notch lawyer does when handling DUI cases.
Negotiate for a Plea Bargain
Pleading guilty shouldn’t be the only option for drivers charged with DUI. Having a lawyer helps the defendant make smart and informed decisions. If the prosecutor can’t prove a case against the defendant, the case won’t hold up in any court. A good lawyer can also negotiate a plea bargain in exchange for pleading guilty, ensuring lessened penalties and reduced charges.
Submit Motions
Lawyers can question the evidence provided for its accuracy. They can even challenge the reliability of the way prosecutors procured the evidence. A great lawyer knows how to spot any inconsistencies made by the police or the prosecutor.
They can then proceed to submit motions to the court before the case goes to a jury. A pretrial can prove an advantage for the defendant’s side if there are enough discrepancies to dismiss the case outright.
Build a Solid Legal Defense
Lawyers can review the evidence stacked against the defendant and develop sound legal arguments to acquit them. A tight legal defense consists of reviewing the breathalyzer and blood test results to check for any discrepancies. By looking out for these inconsistencies, there is a bigger chance of undermining the presented evidence’s accuracy.
What You Should Do
Do not go to court for DUI without a lawyer. As soon as an arrest is made, you must immediately call for a lawyer. You must exercise your right to an attorney. Having an experienced DUI Lawyer in Erie PA fighting in your corner gives you a better chance of getting a favorable outcome. Handling DUI cases require highly specialized and technical knowledge. Call Panighetti Law today and have your case handled by the experts.
