Getting charged with DUI can have life-changing consequences, and it’s important to get help from a drunk driving lawyer who knows the ins and outs of getting a case dismissed or entering diversion programs. The best drunk driving lawyers work day in and day out to help their clients avoid expensive fines, criminal records and jail time so they can move on with their lives.
A DUI attorney can challenge whether an officer had reasonable suspicion to pull you over, search your vehicle or administer field sobriety tests such as standing on one leg, reciting the alphabet and counting backwards and forwards. They can also fight to suppress evidence obtained from a chemical test like a breathalyzer or blood sample.
An experienced lawyer can also challenge the underlying facts of a case and show that an officer’s testimony is biased or incorrect. For example, if an officer claims that your eyes were red, your attorney can introduce evidence to demonstrate that the color of your eyes could be due to allergies, lack of sleep or new contact lenses.
If your arrest is for a standard first offense, prosecutors will likely offer a plea deal in exchange for a guilty verdict that includes probation and community service. But a skilled attorney can often convince prosecutors to drop or reduce charges and/or penalties by arguing that you had a valid reason for your actions such as lack of sleep, medications or medical conditions.