Reasons to Hire an Attorney for a First DUI Offense
You’ve been arrested for driving under the influence. What should you do now? Maybe you’re considering advocating for yourself in court, throwing yourself at the court’s mercy, or pleading guilty and accepting the consequences—but have you thought about hiring an attorney? Many drivers think that they can talk their way out of a DUI or that the consequences for a first DUI conviction aren’t severe enough to warrant hiring an attorney. We disagree.
A DUI could affect every area of your life, but a DUI defense attorney could help you get a second chance. Call the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associate at 562-216-2944 to set up a consultation right away.
A Conviction Stays on Your Record for Ten Years
To start, a DUI conviction could change how you are charged and convicted for ten full years. A DUI conviction is a priorable offense for ten years in California. This means that if you get another DUI, your first DUI could lead to stiffer consequences and a worse legal outcome for you. Fighting this first conviction is better for you now and in the future.
A DUI Conviction is Expensive
You may be considering passing on a lawyer because you don’t want the expense of a DUI lawyer. Bad news—you’re going to be spending the money either way, so you may as well spend it fighting to prove your innocence or limit the damage. Not only do you have to pay the penalties for a DUI, you’ll also need to pay court costs, administrative fees, the cost of an ignition interlock device, and more if you are convicted. Just accept that this process will cost you money either way, and choose the route that gives you a better shot at a fresh start.
You’ll Likely Lose Your License
A DUI conviction leads to a driver’s license suspension that lasts between six and ten months. While you’ll already lose your license for a period if you are arrested, you can get your license back sooner and seek a restricted license.
Reduced Charges May Be an Option
There are several lesser charges that your DUI offense could be reduced to in California, including wet reckless, dry reckless, drunkenness in public, or an exhibition of speed. However, you aren’t likely to be offered reduced charges by fighting for yourself. If you don’t have an attorney, plan on the prosecutor throwing everything they’ve got at you. For a real chance at reduced or dropped charges, you absolutely want to hire a criminal defense attorney in California. They’ll know what strategies to use in your case, from arguing that your traffic stop was illegal to suppressing harmful or illegally acquired evidence.
Other Consequences Could Change Your Life
If you’re considering not getting an attorney, you likely have not thought of the multitude of ways that a DUI conviction could affect your life. Yes, you may spend time in jail and pay fees, but it doesn’t stop there. A conviction often means higher insurance costs for years to come, and that’s assuming that your current insurance company doesn’t fail to renew your policy. If they do choose not to renew your policy, you could be stuck paying an exorbitant amount for high-risk insurance. A DUI conviction is publicly searchable and can seriously damage your reputation among associates, family members, and friends. It could also stop you from volunteering at your kids’ school, pursuing certain career paths, or otherwise enjoying full freedom.
A DUI could even impact you when it comes to unrelated legal matters. Imagine that you end up in a custody battle down the road. Your ex brings up your prior DUI conviction as evidence that you are unsafe around your children and should not have custody. There’s no telling how a judge would view this evidence and if it would affect you.
If you’re facing the consequences of driving while impaired, you deserve to give yourself the best chance you have at getting charges dismissed or decreased.
Call the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates Now
When you have been arrested for driving under the influence, time is of the essence. Reach out to us immediately so we can begin looking into your case. Call us at 562-216-2944 or get in touch online to set up a time to talk.
Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.
