A good DUI attorney will identify loopholes in the case against you. This will allow them to get charges dropped or lower punishments.

DUI attorneys are technically criminal defense lawyers who devote a substantial part of their practice to handling DUI cases. This is a highly specialized area of law that requires expert knowledge of state laws.

Experience

Drunk driving cases present unique legal challenges that are complex to navigate. A skilled attorney can analyze the situation and find a viable course of action to take. This may include taking the case to trial or pursuing a plea bargain. In New York, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or mind altering drugs including prescription medications.

A DUI conviction can have significant long-term consequences including jail time, fines and loss of your license to drive. A DUI lawyer can help you avoid these penalties by having the case dismissed or reducing the charges. He or she can also guide you through the process of getting a conviction expunged from your record so that it has less of a negative impact on your future employment and credit opportunities. DUI lawyers can also argue that police did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over or that your breath test was incorrectly administered.

Reputation

The reputation of a DUI attorney is an important consideration when choosing a criminal defense lawyer. The best DUI lawyers are honest and transparent with clients about their charges and fees. They also communicate well and inspire confidence.

A good DUI attorney will be skilled at negotiating, and can help you reduce your charges or penalties. They should also be prepared to go to trial, if necessary.

Choosing a DUI lawyer based on recommendations from family and friends is a good idea. However, it is also advisable to do your research on the attorney’s website and review the services they offer.

Some DUI attorneys specialize in specific types of cases, such as aggravated DUI or driving under the influence of drugs. Others focus on defending individuals who have been charged with a DUI or DWI, or DWAI (driving while ability impaired). These attorneys can help you fight your case and get the results you want.

Fees

If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, it is important to understand the costs involved. In addition to the attorney fees, you will also have to pay for court-ordered fines, jail time, substance abuse classes, higher auto insurance rates, license reinstatement fee, towing and storage cost if your car is impounded, and the loss of income if you are forced to take time off work.

The price of a DUI lawyer depends on the complexity of your case. A more complicated case will be more costly to defend, because it will require more discovery and may result in a longer trial.

DUI lawyers typically charge either an hourly or flat rate. The advantage of hourly billing is that you don’t overpay if your case is resolved quickly, because you will only be billed for the amount of time that your attorney worked on your case. Flat rate attorneys have a pre-arranged total fee, which is more transparent and easy to understand.

Free consultations

During your free DUI consultation, a criminal defense attorney will provide you with legal advice based on the specifics of your case. They will help you decide whether to take your case to trial or accept a plea bargain. Generally, prosecutors will offer you a standard first-offense DUI plea deal if they are convinced that they have a solid case and the chances of prevailing at trial are slim.

Most DUI lawyers offer transparent fee structures and will discuss fees during your initial consultation. This allows you to make an informed decision and prevents surprises down the road.

Many people are unaware that police can give them false information during a breath test or field sobriety tests. This is why it is crucial to have a lawyer by your side. DUI lawyers can challenge the evidence used against you and may be able to get some of it dismissed. They also often file and argue a variety of legal motions that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.