I just was pulled over for DUI, do I have to get an attorney?
deliriousrecs asked:
I was pulled over for a DUI and not sure if I need an attorney. There are plenty of sites out there like www.duidefenseonline.com and ww.dui.com and a bunch others. There’s some good info but I want to from someone that’s already been through the process.
How much did it cost, altogether?
The conviction rate for DUI is pretty high. The most successful defense is challenging the reason for the stop. If the officer had a legal reason to make contact with you, it will be a difficult fight. If you can’t contest the stop, you may be best off speaking to the prosecutor yourself and see what kind of deal you can work out.
As far as the cost, that would depend on the case, but if you include the increase in insurance premiums, it will be several thousand dollars.
YES. 2000 TO 2500
As an Alaska State Trooper with dozens of DUI arrests and convictions under my Sam Browne, I strongly, strongly urge you to defend yourself and argue the meter reading, the right to not be stopped, how big a jerk the cop was and absolutely critical, YOU were not impaired!
Good luck, see you in lock up.
DUIs are far more defendable than that popular “wisdom” would have you think. Sometimes the stops are attackable, sometimes the tests or their collection are, and sometimes the question of whether you were really impaired beyond a reasonable doubt can be attacked. If you get a lawyer who is knowledgeable about DUI law, and not wills and trusts, you can do wonders; do not give up, because that is what the system counts on happening.
If you live in VA and you are found guilty, you are looking at a fine plus court cost plus another $3,500 added to it. If you were driving under the influence, I hope they through the book at you.
No guarantees anyone will get you off. If the evidence is there all you can hope for is a reduced fine and amount of time your licence is taken away for. Accept responsibility for your actions and start going to AA…
You don’t “have” to get an attorney, but it would be in your best interests to hire one locally to protect your rights so you don’t get railroaded by the DA.
Yes, you will need an attorney. Here in GA, I paid about $2400 in total. But, my DUI was reduced to reckless driving and running a red light, in which I had to pay a $250 fine and 40 hours of community service. The $2000 was the lawyer fee.
Unless you undeniable proof you are innocent, you are better off pleading guilty and taking your licks. A DUI lawyer will probably cost you $2000-4000 with zero guarantee. If you’re guilty, take your lumps and pay the fines and start looking for a new insurance carrier. Your’s will most likely cancel you when the policy expires.
In CA, there is almost no chance of going to jail for a 1st DUI (no property damage, no accident, compliant with the officer).
I plead guilty (no attorney) and took a chance. Result was fines and DUI classes, restricted driving until the class was completed. The fines totaled about $2000, probation was 5 years.
heres a thought…maybe… you shouldnt have been drinking
seems to me that would be the best way to have avoided this thing completely
Yes. Get a lawyer. I’ve known a couple of people who were able to get the charges dropped. A lawyer will (or should) work to get you the minimum sentence if you are found guilty.
they say the average cost for everything in a dui (that is, not a felony dui) is about $13,000, and the most expensive part being the lawyer. bail for dui is usually $2,500.
It could cost you anywhere between $2500-3500, if you are hiring lawyers with good success rate. DUI has become highly competitive industry & it is difficult to find a genuine lawyer who can pull you out of it, without taking hefty amount from the potential clients. You can find some good lawyers and law firms from :