How can a lawyer help me with my court appearance for a DUI?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How can a lawyer help me with my court appearance for a DUI?
Yesterday I was driving in Grand Junction, CO when I was pulled over by a cop,
arrested and charged for DUI. My blood alcohol level was .17, twice the legal
limit. My license was taken and I can’t drive until my court date on June 7th in
Grand Junction. I have never had a DUI and don’t know if I’d benefit from having
a lawyer, please let me know how you can help.
Asked on April 30, 2017 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Most states categorize a first DUI offense as a misdemeanor, a criminal charge. So don't underestimate the seriousness of the consequences of such a conviction. When you are arrested for even a first DUI, you need to understand the mandatory sentence and related punishments associated with it; they have long-term consequences. Here is a link to a site that will provide further information: https://criminal-law.freeadvice.com/criminal-law/drunk_driving/dui-lawyer.htm
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The only real defense to a DUI is to show that there was some defect in the evidence, whether actual or legal: e.g. that there was no grounds for the stop, that the test was administered improperly, that there was some problem with the testing equipment, that the sample (e.g. blood) was not handled properly, etc. A lawyer will understand the legal rules about stops and evidence far better than you, and will know what information and documents to request and how to request them, to see if there is a problem; the lawyer should also be able to question any prosecution witnesses to weaken the case, and/or effectively question any witnesses or experts of your own. Having a lawyer for a DUI does not guaranty winning by any stretch, but it will maximize your chances.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.