Insights Into How Our Legal System Works

Insights Into How Our Legal System Works

Tips for Discussing Your Case With a DUI Attorney

by Yolanda Lane

If you were recently arrested for DUI, you are probably looking at your legal options, including the possibility of hiring a local DUI attorney to help you fight the charges or argue for a reduced sentence. If this is the first time you've been through this particular situation, you might not know where to begin. When you first talk to a DUI attorney, he or she will likely offer a consultation so you can begin to see what your options are going forward. Here are some tips to keep in mind when discussing your case with a DUI attorney for the first time.

Go in With a List of Questions

A DUI attorney is an expert on your state's DUI laws and can likely provide you with an overview, but it can be helpful if you go in prepared with specific questions that relate to your case. For example, you might want to know more about a state program that offers reduced or no jail time for first-time offenders. Go into your meeting prepared so you can get the information you need and leave confident that your case is on the right track.

Understand That There Are Other Options Besides a Not Guilty Verdict

Every defendant would of course love to have their case thrown out or have a not guilty verdict returned. But when dealing with a DUI case, it may be obvious that some type of punishment is going to be handed out. The police might have you dead to rights with a blood test, and your DUI attorney might not be able to find anything about the test to get it thrown out. If it's clear that you are going to be found guilty, you need to know you still have options. Your lawyer might be able to get you into a work-release program or into a special program for community service instead of jail time. In other words, go into your first meeting with realistic expectations and don't expect your DUI attorney to just wave a magic wand and make the case disappear.

Write Down a List of Witnesses or Other Evidence

Were there other people in the car with you when you were pulled over? Did you drink with other people at the bar who might be able to testify that you actually did not drink much that night? Write down a list of potential witnesses and include any other evidence. Your lawyer will ask for these things anyway, so having such a list ready to go for your consultation will streamline the process.


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About Me

Insights Into How Our Legal System Works

Hello, I'm Christina Miller. Have you ever been fascinated with why the law works the way it does? Ever since I was in junior high, I had an intense interest in anything related to our legal system, whether it be a crime drama on television, a judge show or a legal case covered on the news. I followed it all. As time progressed, I began learning about how the actual legal system worked and not just the fictionalized version of our legal system. This has lead me to start writing my own blog posts about law that I hope will help others.

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