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When Do You Need a DUI/DWI Lawyer?

If you have been charged with a DUI, or driving under the influence, it is very important for you to reach out to a DUI attorney. A DUI may also be referred to as driving while intoxicated, or DWI.

A lawyer for DUI can negotiate with the prosecution and try to obtain a plea bargain or a lowering of the charges. A plea bargain can allow you to avoid going to trial in exchange for pleading guilty to a lesser offense.

If your blood alcohol level (BAC) was near the legal limit, your lawyer may be able to help you avoid the serious consequences of a DWI conviction. When a court is considering the penalties you as a defendant may face, it will typically consider:

• Your prior conviction history
• Whether death or injury occurred as a result of the DWI
• Whether you caused any property damage
• Whether you were driving a commercial vehicle
• If you were 21 or over at the time of arrest
• Whether or not a minor was in your car at the time of your arrest

There are DWI per se laws which establish that if you have a BAC of .08 or above, you will be considered legally intoxicated. If you are a minor who is under the age of 21, a zero tolerance policy applies, meaning that driving with any amount of alcohol in your bloodstream is illegal.

If you drive a commercial vehicle or drive for a ride-share company, you will be held to a higher standard than other motorists. This means you can be charged with a criminal offense if your BAC is .04 or higher.

Being convicted of a drunk driving offense can result in numerous issues outside of your criminal record, such as:

• Serious criminal fines
• Probation
• Prison time
• Community service
• License suspension or restriction
• Loss of driver’s license
• Mandated drunk driving courses
• Increased insurance rates
• Inability to have a job that requires driving a vehicle

If there were other crimes involved in your drunk driving offense, you will likely face harsher punishments. For example, if someone else was seriously injured or killed due to your drunk driving, you will likely face jail time.

If you have previous drunk driving offenses on your criminal record, you will likely be required to pay larger fines. If you are employed as a professional driver, your employer will have the right to terminate your employment.

These are serious consequences, which is why it is essential for you to have a lawyer representing you during your DUI case.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DUI/DWI Lawyer in the U.S.?

The cost of during a DUI lawyer will vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The nature of the charges against you: Different approaches may be required for different offenses, which may affect the cost of handling the case.
• The jurisdiction: Different jurisdictions can have different procedures for handling DUI cases. Additionally, prosecutors in different jurisdictions may be easier or more difficult to negotiate with, which can affect how long it may take to resolve the case.
• Your driving and criminal records: If you already have a criminal record or previous DUI issues, your attorney will need to work harder for negotiations and presentation of your case in court, which can increase the overall cost.

The average that a DUI lawyer charges is between $100 to $500 as an hourly rate. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee to handle a DUI case, which can range between $1,000 to $5,000.

If the case goes to trial, it can cost significantly more, around $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

What to Look for in a DUI/DWI Lawyer?

When you are looking for a DUI lawyer to represent you, there are things that can be helpful to consider, such as:

• Experience: You should look for a DUI lawyer who has a track record of winning cases similar to yours.
• Knowledge of local DUI laws: Your attorney should have an understanding of the DUI laws and court procedures in the area.
• Negotiation skills: This can be very helpful when trying to obtain a plea bargain or reduce the charges against you.

You should find a DUI lawyer with whom you are comfortable working. You will need to be completely honest about the facts of your case so your lawyer can present the best defense possible on your behalf.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a DUI/DWI Lawyer?

When you have a consultation scheduled with a DUI lawyer, it is important for you to take the time to prepare before you go, including:

• Finding evidence and documents relevant to your case: It is important to bring everything that you have that may be related to your case and let your lawyer determine what will be used.
• Preparing a written list of questions and concerns: You should make a list of your questions and concerns before the meeting so they can all be addressed.
• Asking about the strategy that will be used: You should ask how your case will be handled to make sure it meets your expectations.

Where to Find DUI/DWI Lawyers in the U.S.?

If you have been charged with a DUI or any related offense, it is important to consult with a DUI lawyer as soon as you can. Your lawyer will explain your rights, help you build the best possible case to present to the court, and work to get the best outcome for your situation.

If you are wondering, “where to find DUI lawyers near me?” or “where to find a DUI attorney near me?,” the answer is LegalMatch.com. With LegalMatch, you can submit your DUI question or issue on the website at no cost.

You will get responses from member lawyers in about 24 hours that include their fee arrangement, background, and reviews. Having a lawyer will help ensure that you obtain the best outcome you can in your case, whether that is avoiding a serious conviction that jeopardizes your employment or lowering the charges against you to avoid jail time.