Hiring a Drunk Driving Attorney

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Like all criminal defense attorneys drunk driving attorneys work to make sure that their clients’ interests are served. In most cases this means a guilty plea and negotiated sentence, but depending on the evidence and its collection, a variety of other outcomes are possible. Here’s what you should know about what drunk driving attorneys can do for you.

Your Rights and Drunk Driving Attorneys

In the 1960s the Supreme Court ruled in its case Miranda v. Arizona that police must notify you of your rights to counsel and silence, the famous Miranda rights which begin with “You have the right to remain silent.” Sometimes police fail to properly inform you of your rights, which makes your arrest illegal. Also, police must have probable cause to make a traffic stop. A drunk driving attorney may be able to argue that your rights were violated when you were stopped or arrested and have the case thrown out of court.

Evidence, Trials and Drunk Driving Attorneys

Even if the judge in your case determines that your arrest was above board, an attorney can sometimes secure an acquittal on the charges. Science may be on your side: alcohol absorbs into your blood at a particular rate, and even if you have a blood alcohol level over the legal limit (.08 in all states now) at one point, it was lower before that even if you have not had a drink in the intervening period. This means that your attorney may be able to prove that you were technically sober when you were driving, though you were drunk when tested much later. This is only one example of the techniques which can secure an acquittal on DWI charges.

Plea Deals and Drunk Driving Attorneys

Still, in many cases the evidence is simply too strong to risk going to trial. A good attorney has cultivated relationships with prosecutors and judges and may be able to help you avoid jail time and secure the lowest possible fines and the shortest probation. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions you may be eligible for suspended sentences or diversionary programs which will clear your record of any conviction after completing your probation.

You will never know what your chances are if you don’t speak to an attorney first, and most will give you a free initial consultation. If you have been charged with drunk driving, speak to a drunk driving attorney today.