If you are arrested for driving under the influence, it’s critical to consult a drunk driving lawyer right away. The legal advice of a seasoned attorney could make all the difference in your case. It’s also important to consider whether you should hire a private DUI lawyer, go with the public defender, or represent yourself.
When hiring a drunk driving attorney, you want to be sure that you have a good working relationship with them and that they will work well with you. Many attorneys offer free consultations, which gives you a chance to meet face to face with them and see if you have chemistry. During your consultation, you should tell your DUI attorney everything that happened the night of your arrest. This includes anything that may seem embarrassing to you, such as officer conduct during the stop and field sobriety test.
A New York DUI conviction can carry heavy fines, jail time, and license revocation or suspension. A knowledgeable drunk driving attorney can help you avoid these consequences by challenging evidence and arguing for your rights in court.
If you’re facing a standard first-offense DUI, the prosecution may be willing to accept a plea bargain. However, you should not resolve your case at arraignment until you’ve fully understood the consequences of a guilty plea and spoken with a drunk driving lawyer. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of your case, you can request a jury or bench trial.