Georgia has strict drinking and driving laws. However, they also have strict guidelines that law enforcement must follow when charging a DUI. This is where many people may be able to have the charges lowered or the case dismissed. It is a difficult and complicated matter, so many people find they need the help of a lawyer.
You may be wondering why you need a lawyer for a DUI. Besides the above statement, lawyers are valuable to clients because they provide legal advice, represent them in court, and advocate for them. Met Lane, Attorney at Law, wants to help you if you were charged with a DUI. Call the office at 770-834-4107 today to schedule a consultation.
Top Reasons You Should Hire a DUI Defense Attorney:
The benefits of hiring a DUI defense attorney are numerous. Not only do they have the legal expertise clients need, but they can also give them peace of mind while navigating the situation. Read more about the advantages of having an attorney on your side below:
A DUI Defense Lawyer Knows What Works and What Doesn’t
Attorneys are in and out of court nearly every single day. They’ve handled many DUI cases and have seen which strategies work and which don’t. They also understand the details determining DUIs and know how to work around them or prove them incorrect.
For example, once an attorney has handled many DUI cases, they are well-versed in the breath and blood testing process. If someone misses a step or does it incorrectly, they can quickly identify this error and create a stronger case. Handling a DUI case alone will not give you the same advantage.
A DUI Lawyer Advocates for Clients
Drunk driving laws can become complicated, and having someone on your side is always good. A DUI lawyer advocates for clients inside and outside of court. This is especially true for people with more than one DUI on their record. The stakes and punishments are much higher in those situations. A professional can help navigate these situations with ease.
A DUI Defense Attorney Has Won Cases
Criminal laws are complex and involve many factors. A seasoned DUI attorney knows this and can help clients create strategies for a DUI defense they may not think of on their own.
For example, do you know how to showcase that the law enforcement officer didn’t have valid probable cause for the charge? A DUI attorney sees gaps in these charges and can help build a solid defense case. An attorney is truly invaluable in these situations.
Managing a DUI Case Is Time-Consuming
Each piece of evidence must be investigated to create a solid DUI defense. In addition, facts must be proven, and laws must be examined. A law office has the knowledge, time, and resources to do this for their clients. They also know exactly how to do this, saving clients a lot of time they may waste looking in the wrong places.
DUIs Have Harsh Consequences
DUIs for first-time offenders face the following consequences:
- Up to a year in jail
- A $300 fine
- A suspended license
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- A $210 license reinstatement fee
Those are only the legal consequences. Many people convicted of DUIs have trouble getting an apartment; some lose their jobs, and others have difficulty finding a workplace.
DUIs for second or third-time offenders (or more) are subject to much harsher punishments. They face:
- Mandatory jail time
- Larger fines ($600 to $5,000)
- Longer license suspension times (3-5 years)
- Minimum of 30 days of community service
- $210 license reinstatement fee
- Mandatory clinical evaluation
- Possible substance abuse program requirement
- Local newspaper feature (at your expense)
- Declaration of habitual violator and seizure of license plate
You Have One Chance…Do You Want to Take a Gamble?
In short, you only have one chance to get the case dismissed. You can take a chance and hope for the best. Or you can hire a DUI attorney and know you tried everything you could.
An attorney has the expertise clients need to get cases dismissed or sentences greatly decreased. There are many fines and even jail time associated with DUIs. The decision is ultimately yours, but you must consider the future.
What Does a DUI Lawyer Do?
A DUI attorney helps build a strong defense for clients. They collect evidence and information to identify gaps or errors. Hiring a DUI attorney is usually a good decision. Read more about how they help clients below:
Case Preparation and Management
Gathering evidence, records, and statements is a time-consuming and complicated process. It often takes more time and effort than people can do by themselves. By hiring an attorney, clients don’t have to worry about this.
Not only does the office prepare a strong case, but they also ensure everything needed for the court is ready. Imagine showing up to court; nothing is prepared to help defend you. It would be a difficult and embarrassing situation. An attorney saves clients the time and stress of preparing and managing cases.
Legal Representation
Saying the wrong thing in court could easily get someone convicted of the DUI charge. An attorney represents their clients in court. This helps to ensure the wrong thing is not said to cause a longer punishment. It also means clients have an advocate and someone with extensive legal knowledge fighting for them.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is invaluable. When hiring a lawyer, clients know they did everything possible to dismiss the case or seek fewer consequences. They also have peace of mind by not having to gather the information and case necessities independently.
What If You Don’t Hire a DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It is everyone’s right to represent themselves in a court of law. But just because it’s a right doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. The consequences outlined above are all possible outcomes of a DUI case. These cases are difficult, and court is often a high-pressure situation.
An attorney can’t help you to navigate this if you don’t have one. They have the expertise clients need to succeed. They also have a reputation and respect attached to their names that a self-represented client may not.
Can a DUI Lawyer Get Your Charge Dropped?
It’s possible, yes. However, it depends on many factors. Each case is unique, and we can’t say for certain whether a case could be dropped. If you’d like to speak to Met Lane about your specific situation, we recommend you schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal options.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
Hiring a criminal lawyer is an investment in your future. Many factors impact the cost of legal fees, including the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the case, and the location. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour.
It’s essential to understand the fees associated with a criminal defense attorney. We recommend you schedule a consultation better to understand the fee structures and options of various options. If a criminal defense lawyer is not an option, you can always request a state-appointed lawyer.
Why Met Lane as Your Carrollton DUI Defense Lawyer?
Choosing a DUI defense attorney is a tough decision sometimes. There are many options, and you’re under pressure to find someone quickly to help with the situation. Met Lane, Attorney at Law, wants to make your decision easier. Read about the benefits of hiring him below:
Years of Experience
With more than 20 years of experience, Met Lane knows the ins and outs of DUI defense. As a local Carrollton native, Met cares about the community. He believes one mistake shouldn’t set the path for someone’s future. Met leverages his years of expertise to help clients with criminal and civil cases.
Vast Legal Expertise
Met Lane has managed hundreds of civil and criminal cases. Since he graduated from law school, Met has worked as an Assistant District Attorney and an attorney in large and small firms. His legal expertise includes the following areas:
- Personal injury (car accidents, drunk driving accidents, slips and falls)
- Business law (contracts, disputes, collections)
- Wrongful death
- Real estate law (disputes, contracts)
- Criminal law (violent crimes, DUI or drug defense, misdemeanors)
- Estates, wills, and probates
- Social Security and disability (advocacy, denials, hearings)
- Family law (divorce, adoption, child custody and support)
Met Lane strives to help his clients with their legal issues quickly and efficiently. He has continuously been recognized online with positive reviews and testimonies.
Client-First Attitude
Exceptional client service means getting them the results they want. Our clients are our priority at all times. We fight for what’s right and provide outstanding, personalized legal services. We wow our clients by exceeding expectations by combining superior legal knowledge, personalized service, and extreme value.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
This page answered the common question, “Why do you need a lawyer for a DUI?” The team at Met Lane Law Office is well-versed in DUI defense. We have helped countless clients with criminal charges. Met Lane wants to help you, too. Contact us today to request a consultation to discuss your situation and legal options.