Is it Worth Getting a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Handle a DUI Case?

A Criminal Defense Lawyer To Handle A DUI Case

In many states, driving under the influence or DUI is a serious criminal offense. The rationale is that driving while you’re intoxicated puts a lot of people’s lives at risk. Hence, the government gives teeth to the law as a deterrent to road-related injuries and fatalities caused by drivers who are under the influence.

If you’re in the situation wherein you’re charged with DUI charges, you might likely ask yourself, “Do I need to get a private criminal defense lawyer or let a court-appointed attorney handle my case?” That’s the typical question that pops out of the mind of most defendants. If you want to know if it’s worth hiring a private lawyer at a DUI hearing, read on below.

DUI Cases are Complicated

It’s hard for a defendant with no legal experience and with little legal knowledge to determine his or her chances of winning over a DUI charge. DUI law is complex, and the details of every case are different.

An individual found guilty of violating DUI laws can get a minimum sentence that will require him or her to pay a fine, a suspension of license, and a criminal record. So it’s a must that you have an attorney who can help you understand your case.

Court-Appointed Attorneys

A person charged with a DUI case who can’t afford to hire a private attorney is provided with a lawyer appointed by the court. Such attorneys come from the public defender’s office.

However, if the court couldn’t get a public defender for the defendant, it appoints a panel attorney as an alternative. Panel attorneys are not public lawyers, but they’re appointed and paid by the court to handle the case of indigent persons who face criminal complaints such as DUI cases.

Defendants often have qualms about letting the court appoint a lawyer for them because of words that court-appointed attorneys don’t pay their full attention to pro bono cases. Lawyers appointed by the court are often busy, so it can be a hard time for a defendant to get lots of professional discussion about their case with their court-appointed attorneys.

Another issue with court-appointed lawyers handling DUI cases is that they could put you at a disadvantage. Persons charged with DUI case often face two separate court proceedings: a criminal case in court and a trial for suspension of license. Lawyers picked by the court will handle your criminal court case, but not the latter.

Private Lawyer

If court-appointed attorneys don’t typically handle both criminal court case and the administrative suspension of license proceedings, a private lawyer can do both the job for you. The legal counsel of a lawyer who works on both aspects of a DUI case can be of significant help to you.

So back to the question about whether a criminal defense lawyer at your DUI hearing is worth it, yes it’s worth it. Going for a private attorney can allow you to pick the best lawyer who has an in-depth knowledge of DUI laws and extensive experience in handling DUI cases. Such factors can lead to a better outcome of your case.

Hiring a private lawyer can also reduce your time and effort in participating in court proceedings. Clients of court-appointed attorneys must participate for all court dates. With a private lawyer, on the other hand, you won’t have to appear for court appearances that your lawyer can do for you.

Takeaway

If you’re charged with a DUI case, it’s an excellent idea to hire a private lawyer who will handle it. A private lawyer can entirely focus on giving you the best advantage as a client.

Your private legal counsel will handle both the criminal court case and the suspension of license proceedings for you. It can also minimize the time and effort that you’ve to spend in court. If you’re looking for a private attorney, you can reach out to criminal defense lawyers like Matt Gould  for that purpose.