Using The Services Of A DUI Lawyer To Avoid Serving Prison Time

When you have made the mistake of driving after drinking several alcoholic drinks, you may want to do everything possible to avoid the worst penalty for your offense. You can acknowledge that you did not make the best decision and acted with recklessness. Still, you do not want to have to go to jail because of a temporary lapse in judgment.

However, if you go to court alone without any kind of legal representation. you could face a sentence of months or longer behind bars. Rather than take your chances alone, you can hire an experienced DUI lawyer to take your case for you.

Arguing for a Lesser Penalty

The laws in your state may dictate that first-time offenders must receive some sort of criminal punishment. This punishment can involve spending several days in county lockup. It can also involve paying a steep fine and being ordered to complete community service hours.

However, when you have a DUI lawyer on retainer for your case, you may be able to avoid serving any time in jail. If you lack a prior criminal record, you may be able to use this to your advantage in court. Your attorney can argue that you have never before engaged in any kind of criminal act that put the public at risk. He or she can ask the judge for leniency based on your prior good behavior.

With the help your DUI lawyer, you may only receive a moderate fine and community service hours. You might even be ordered to complete a drug or alcohol rehab program and then have your record expunged.

Getting Minimal Jail Time

If you are a repeat offender, however, you may be facing mandatory jail time. Your DUI lawyer may be able to argue for the least amount of time possible in jail. He or she can ask the judge to sentence you to county jail time, for example, instead of time served in a state prison. Even if you have to go to prison, your DUI lawyer may ask the court to shorten your sentence as much as possible, particularly if you have no other prior criminal convictions other than drunk driving. 

A DUI lawyer can provide important services to you after you drink and drive. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact a DUI lawyer near you who can help you understand the legal process and represent you in your case. 


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