This kind of case is not usually one in which people
can pay a fine and walk away from the situation. Most states have
multiple sentences that are handed out with each charge. While some of
these may be monetary only, others can limit or remove a person’s
ability to drive and have the potential for jail time. An experienced
lawyer will know what is possible for sentencing, know how to handle the
case and what to say in court that will work the best for the client.

In some states, there are also techniques that an attorney can use that
the average person cannot. One of these is the Department of Motor
Vehicle hearing process, which is available to Californians and in a few
other states. This process says that the accused has a ten-day window
of opportunity to request a hearing with the DMV that can question the
legitimacy of the DUI stop. The ordinary person would likely not know
what to do to manage this kind of hearing or how to obtain the right
evidence to support this claim. Having an attorney handle this kind of
hearing can be a good idea because if it succeeds, it will remove the
charge from the person’s record.

While many people are
embarrassed that they were charged with this kind of offense, that is
not the worst of it. This kind of charge often has long-term
consequences even after fines have been paid. One of the biggest impacts
people may suffer is long-term or even permanent loss of driver’s
licenses. This can really complicate life for many people, as they will
no longer be able to drive to work or to get medical care. It also
limits life on a practical and social basis for many.

The other problem with this is it almost always means increased costs
for car insurance. Most people will experience a jump in premiums but
some will also find that their insurance will be canceled.

Working with a DUI attorney is the only real way to handle this kind of
case. Most of the time there are too many variables and issues at stake
for an individual to handle their own case.