Driving under the influence is a serious offense that has consequences to match. A DUI could result in hefty fines, losing your license, and an ignition interlock device being installed in your vehicle. In addition to penalties the court sees fit, DUI charges can also prevent you from being able to get to work or find a job, and they can have a negative impact on your relationship with family and friends.
Not only can the initial arrest be scary, but what comes after can feel incredibly daunting and anxiety-inducing as well. How will you defend yourself? Should you hire a private attorney? How will you afford the costs and handle the repercussions?
Though it can feel overwhelming, having the expertise of a premier New Jersey DUI attorney on your side can help alleviate some of the stress. Keep reading to learn how an experienced lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
The benefits of hiring an experienced DUI attorney
Hiring a private attorney after a DUI charge isn’t completely necessary, but it certainly has its benefits. Without a lawyer, you’ll be left to either defend yourself or the court may assign you a public defender.
Representing yourself can be a challenge if you lack the time and expert knowledge required for a successful outcome. Public defenders often have large caseloads so their efforts are spread relatively thin. It’s also important to note that not everyone may be eligible for a public defender, as certain income requirements must be met. With so much on the line, the complexity of DUI cases are typically handled best by experienced attorneys who can give your case the attention it deserves.
DUI attorneys have immense legal knowledge
There’s a lot at stake when it comes to being charged with a DUI. The penalties can be harsh, so it’s imperative to have representation that knows exactly what they’re doing. While it’s possible to beat a DUI without an attorney, every case is different and therefore requires a personalized approach.
Experienced DUI attorneys are familiar with the legal landscape and have a thorough understanding of the processes and procedures involved in DUI cases. When you head to court with a premier New Jersey defense attorney on your side, you can rest assured that they have the knowledge required to help you get the best outcome possible.
They’ll have a strong analytical ability when it comes to strategy
Every situation is different, therefore requiring a unique approach. An experienced lawyer has seen countless DUI cases throughout years of practice. They’ll know which strategies to implement under what circumstances in order to get the best results.
In defense of your case, your attorney may question the legality of the traffic stop, challenge the accuracy of the field sobriety tests, explore medical conditions you may have or prescription medication you may take, and they may also look into environmental factors that could have played a role in how you were driving or your performance with the sobriety tests.
Additionally, they’ll be able to analyze the events that lead up to the arrest, identifying whether or not police made mistakes when following proper procedure. Any errors in the way things were handled on the end of law enforcement could help support your case, perhaps even leading to its dismissal.
You’ll get dedicated representation
Representation is important in DUI cases. Public defenders are often spread thin with multiple clients while private lawyers have the means to give your case the attention it deserves.
Public defenders typically don’t go to the DMV hearings that are required for DUI charges in addition to a court case. This is where your license suspension will be contested, so it’s important that you have someone in your corner advocating for your rights.
Experienced attorneys have vast resources
An experienced lawyer will have a wide range of resources to help support your case. They likely have strong working relationships with prosecutors, courts, and DMV officials that can help them gauge which direction to go and which strategies will work best. Premier DUI attorneys also have access to expert witnesses whose testimony and opinion can help strengthen your case.
Negotiation skills are crucial in DUI cases
One of the most important skills when it comes to defending yourself in a DUI case is the ability to negotiate from a place of legal expertise. While every case is unique, experienced attorneys often have the ability to negotiate alternative sentencing. Depending on your situation, a premier DUI attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence—from a shortened license suspension to less time with an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. In some cases they may even be able to get the charges dropped entirely.
Weighing the costs of attorney fees vs. conviction penalties
Though hiring a premier DUI attorney can be costly upfront, the convictions penalties you may face if you choose to use a public defender or represent yourself could be even more detrimental over time. Fines, insurance surcharges, and lost wages while you aren’t able to work can end up exceeding what you would pay to hire an experienced attorney.
If you can afford the costs, it may make more sense to pay attorney fees upfront and potentially reduce your charges, ultimately decreasing your fines, potentially avoiding a longer license suspension, and having less time with an ignition interlock device installed. Consider your priorities when it comes to your DUI charges to see what makes the most sense for you.
Working with a premier New Jersey DUI attorney
Getting charged with a DUI can be life-altering, so it’s important to do everything you can to help defend your case. Legal knowledge, analytical ability, dedicated representation, vast resources, and negotiation skills are crucial in receiving a favorable outcome for your case. If you’ve been pulled over for a DUI in New Jersey, reach out to an experienced attorney to fight in your corner and give you the support you need.
