Why Hire a San Diego DUI Lawyer?

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you will be facing criminal court, as this is a crime in every state. Although you have the right to defend yourself, it may not always be the best decision, as most individuals don’t know the specifics of their state laws, and it can be difficult to navigate the court system. If you feel that you don’t want to invest in an attorney, you may be represented by a public defender, which will be appointed by the courts, but this is not the best option. Public defenders are often saddled with more than they can handle, and rarely have the time to devote to ensuring the best outcome in your case. If you are concerned about protecting your future, and defending your rights, hiring a private attorney is always the best choice.

Consider These 5 Reasons You Should Hire a DUI Attorney

When you get a DUI, you are likely to lose your driver’s license, it may affect your job or your ability to be employed, and you may be facing jail time. Having a skilled attorney on your side will give you peace of mind and can ultimately achieve a better outcome than handling things on your own. These are the top five reasons individuals choose to have a DUI lawyer represent them:

1. Getting immediate help. The best approach whenever you are arrested is to remain quiet, and even to exercise your right to remain completely silent. The police will want to question you as soon as possible, but it is easy to incriminate yourself unintentionally, especially when your mind is clouded. When you request to call a DUI attorney right away, they will be able to advise you on what you should or shouldn’t say.
2. Potential to lose your driver’s license. If you are facing a first offense DUI, the prosecutor may present you with a first offense plea offer. Many individuals mistakenly think they don’t need a lawyer if they are being charged with their first DUI, however they are often misled. The plea deal the prosecutor offers should be considered a starting point that can be negotiated, not an end to the situation. When you have an experienced DUI attorney on your side, they may be able to get you a better deal by negotiating lesser charges. This is an attractive possibility, as it may mean that you get to keep your license.
3. A good attorney will know the strength of your case. The fear and embarrassment involved with getting a DUI can be overwhelming at times and having a professional on your side who knows how to handle the situation is a great relief. Your DUI lawyer will know the details of the case against you and will be able to determine whether the police have a strong case or a weak one. Your lawyer’s goal will always be to achieve the best outcome for you, so it is always best to have them on your side.
4. Your case may go to trial. In most cases you will need to go before a judge on at least one occasion if you are charged with a DUI. Although you are entitled to represent yourself, you are likely not experienced in the field of criminal law, and a prosecutor will have far more knowledge and experience than you. For this reason, it is essential to have a lawyer who can walk you through the process. Keep in mind that your very freedom may be at stake, and a reputable attorney may be able to keep you from serving jail time.
5. You will be glad you invested in your future. Everyone wants to save money and representing yourself for your DUI case may seem like a good way to do that. Don’t fall into this trap. Keep in mind that you don’t have the experience to negotiate with prosecutors, but DUI lawyers do just that every day. Judges are often impatient with individuals who choose to represent themselves, as they do not know the specifics of state laws and the way the court system works. Your attorney will know how to fight for your rights and the best outcome for your case. In the end, the cost of hiring an attorney will seem insignificant compared to the peace of mind you get from knowing that your freedom, ability to maintain your driver's license, and potential for employment are being protected in the best way possible.

Why Are Private Attorneys the Best Option?

Hiring a private attorney to represent you in your DUI case is the most effective way to achieve the outcome you want in criminal court and DMV proceedings. Your lawyer will be able to handle both of these aspects of the case and help you to avoid jail time and get a shorter license suspension.

Many times, individuals see the cost of hiring an attorney as a drawback, but in the end, it could actually save you money. In most cases, your attorney fees will be in the range of $1,000 to $5,000. This could be more, depending on the severity of the charges and whether your case goes to trial. Although it may sound like a lot of money, it is money well spent. Private DUI attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of the state DUI laws and are often able to mount a successful defense for their clients. Depending on the unique details of your case, your lawyer may even be able to get the charges dismissed, or at the very least, reach a plea bargain with the prosecutor.

Another benefit to having a skilled attorney on your side is that they may be able to minimize the amount of time you will spend in the courtroom. Instead of needing to appear for every court date, a private lawyer will often be able to handle many of these routine appearances for their client. This is especially attractive to busy professionals who can’t take the time off from work for every court appearance.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring a private attorney over a public defender is that they will get to know your case intimately by meeting with you one-on-one. Being able to have your questions answered in a definitive way by an attorney you trust can put your mind at ease and eliminate much of the anxiety from the situation.

Hire a Lawyer You Can Trust

The professionals at Zentz & Zentz Attorneys at Law handle DUI cases every day, and they know how to go up against the prosecutors in these cases. If you are facing a DUI charge and feel that you don’t know where to turn, our lawyers will put your fears to rest, and help you to build a case that will protect your freedom and ensure a bright future. Visit our website to find out what we can do for you.