If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Illinois, it is crucial to understand your legal options and what to do next.
The first step is often to retain a skilled DUI attorney. But when exactly would that be appropriate?
In this blog, we’ll talk about legal representation, when you should contact a DUI lawyer, and what an Illinois law firm can do to help you.
When Should I Consult DUI Lawyer?
Our recommendation is that you retain legal counsel as quickly as possible following your arrest.
The more time we have to work on your case, develop a legal defense, and pursue a positive resolution, the better. Most DUI attorneys prefer as much preparation time as possible. Experience matters as well as preparations!
The Legal Setting
It’s possible that the policeman who detained you was aware of your previous DUI offenses. If not, he or she might have been informed that you had already served your suspension period “no matter what”.
Depending on this, your DUI attorney may attempt to discredit this assertion. The evidence in your case shows that you were driving after drinking. similar accusations have been made against suspects in other situations.
If the arresting officer knew that you had previously been convicted of DUI, then based on the arresting officer’s evidence, your prior conviction may be admissible as a legal justification for why you should be found guilty of DUI.
The Components of a DUI Charge
The following are the components of a DUI charge: You were driving while intoxicated, or more specifically, the driver’s faculties were compromised by the drugs to such a degree.
How Private Attorneys Can Be Your Saviors?
Private DUI attorneys are frequently retained to represent clients in DMV hearings and criminal court. Better results, including a shorter license suspension term, may result from having the same attorney handle all sides of your case.
Your time in court can be cut down if you hire a private attorney. Public defender clients in some jurisdictions are required to personally attend all court dates. Contrarily, you won’t often need to be present for frequent court appearances if you have private counsel. Not having to miss work to attend court is a big benefit for many people, especially busy professionals.
You’ll often get more one-on-one time with an DUI attorney than you would with a public lawyer, which is another advantage of hiring one. When all of their queries are answered, and their concerns are taken care of, most people feel more at ease with their case.
Situations in which Consulting an Attorney May Not Be Beneficial
Typically, prosecutors have a first-offense standard plea offer. In other words, they give the same plea agreement to everyone who receives a regular first DUI, which is often at the less severe end of the allowed first-DUI sentence.
A crime is typically classified as a “standard first DUI” if the offender has never been convicted of DUI and there were no aggravating circumstances like an accident, an injury, or a particularly high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the crime.
No matter if the defendant is represented by a private attorney, a public defender, or no representation at all, the typical offer is equivalent in theory.
Therefore, it would appear that engaging legal representation in a typical first DUI case could not be worthwhile. In some circumstances, this conclusion is undoubtedly accurate. The basic offer, however, is frequently merely a starting point in fact.
Experienced DUI attorneys can frequently reduce the usual offer by highlighting flaws in the prosecution’s case or drawing the prosecutor’s attention to mitigating circumstances.
These conversations can also benefit from an attorney’s expertise with regional procedures, the district attorney, and the court.
It may not be a good idea to accept a conventional offer when the defendant has strong defenses. Unrepresented defendants are unlikely to be aware of such defenses, nevertheless. Therefore, it’s a good idea to at least acquire legal counsel’s advice before accepting a plea offer.
How Much Does DUI Lawyer Cost?
The standard hourly wage is $300. You can pay $200 to $500 per hour, depending on the DUI attorney and your region. The advantage of this is that you won’t overspend if your DUI case is resolved fast. Only the brief time the DUI attorney worked on your case will be charged against you. For more about DUI/DWI lawyers charges, get in touch with us today.
What qualities should a DWI attorney have?
When seeking a DWI attorney, look for someone who is skilled, informed of North Carolina DUI law, and who is familiar with Wake County customs.
Knowing when it makes sense to take part in plea negotiations, negotiate a plea agreement (assuming that is available), and when it is preferable to have DUI lawyer charges tried in criminal court is helpful.
Additionally, you should look for a DUI attorney that you feel confident in and who you can trust. Call us to arrange a free consultation if you have been charged with drunk driving in Illinois.
