According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving fatalities amounted to 12,429 deaths throughout 2023. The agency also reports that in the same year, alcohol-related crashes killed 2,117 victims with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) measured between .01 and .07 g/dL.
Driving Under the Influence is what DUI stands for. It signifies that someone gets found driving a car while intoxicated or high on drugs. Bear in mind that both legal and prescription drugs might make it harder to drive safely.
According to the DUI law firm website https://www.randalawyers.com/michigan-dui-lawyer/, if you’re facing a DUI charge, you need a DUI lawyer who is experienced, honest, and good at what they do. You need someone you can really talk to, who will tell you what you need to hear and not merely what you want to hear.
Can lawyers really help you with your DUI case? Let us look into some of their major functions in your defense.
Understanding the Role of a DUI Attorney
When you have driving under the influence charges against you, you should know what your DUI attorney will do for you. A DUI attorney stands by you on the side of protecting your rights and assists you through the complicated procedure in legal matters.
Only the lawyer can explain the details of intoxication offenses, as individuals without DUI experience often find the entire process confusing. The attorney studies your facts, trying to find any kind of flaws in the prosecution’s case.
They are not only going to protect you but will provide emotional support so that you won’t feel so alone during this difficult period. They will explain, from experience, the potential outcomes so that you can make a choice between viable options.
According to DUI lawyer Jarrett Maillet, choosing not to hire an attorney comes with risks that you need to carefully evaluate before making a decision.
Key Legal Strategies Used by DUI Attorneys
DUI lawyers use various favorable legal strategies to establish very solid defenses for their clients. For example, an attorney could challenge the validity of the traffic stop. Should the officer stop the vehicle without probable cause, the likelihood of prosecution would likely decrease sharply.
Another legal option would be challenging the results of a breath test or sobriety test where a technical mistake or strict violation of regulations can make it less reliable as evidence.
Another phase in defense is to negotiate a reduction in penalties or charges. They know the law and how to use it for your benefit. They also can argue the necessity of your action, namely that, under the circumstances, you had no alternative but to drive.
Every case is different, and these options permit a defense tailored to your particular situation. By using these defenses, DUI lawyers strive to defend your rights and win the most favorable result for you.
The Importance of Case Evaluation and Investigation
Building an effective defense against DUI charges must consist of an accurate evaluation of the case and a thorough investigation. A DUI lawyer will thoroughly examine the case details upon hiring.
They examine police reports and breathalyzer results, and they may even go so far as to interview witnesses. The lawyer will be looking hard at any defects or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, precisely the ones that affect the outcome.
The investigation undertaken by your DUI attorney is not just for gathering facts but rather to try to find out several mitigating circumstances affecting your unique situation. The lawyer’s legal assistance keeps you feeling supported and informed along the way.
Negotiating Plea Deals and Reduced Charges
Your DUI lawyer may help you work out plea deals or lower charges after looking at the details of your case. This will be an important step to diminish the impact a DUI could have on your life. Your lawyer knows the fine intricacies of the law and is in the best position to handle your case aggressively against the prosecution.
They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case and analyze any mitigating factors that can be utilized to achieve the best possible outcome. An attorney will also facilitate negotiation.
A plea bargain could either lessen your penalties or require you to attend community service or alcohol education. These lighter punishments would keep you from facing serious repercussions due to a DUI.
The attorney’s goal will be to look after your best interests and help you through this difficult situation. Your lawyer is your primary legal advocate, helping you find the best outcome.
Preparing for Trial: How DUI Attorneys Build a Defense
When preparing for a DUI trial, great consideration goes into the process, with your lawyer working in earnest to create a desired defense. After meeting with you, your lawyer will review all evidence, such as the police reports, the breathalyzer results, and witness statements.
Your lawyer would try to find weaknesses in the case of the prosecution and attack the evidence presented against you.
They will interview witnesses who can help your defense. Another area your attorney will investigate is possible defenses: was it an illegal traffic stop? Was the sobriety test properly administered?
Throughout the entire process, your attorney will provide you with support and a sense of understanding. Your attorney will then prepare you for legal proceedings and give you an idea of how to behave in court.
You will feel extremely confident going into court if you receive the support and strength that your lawyer will provide.