{"id":1051,"date":"2023-07-17T22:29:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T22:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/?p=1051"},"modified":"2023-08-08T14:49:34","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T14:49:34","slug":"lawyer-dui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/featured\/lawyer-dui\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Lawyer If You\u2019re Charged With DUI?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_64b1ca8fdb688\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What if one person could save you from spending thousands of dollars and destroying your reputation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Those convicted of a DUI face many consequences, including the loss of their license to an increase in their car insurance. At this point, such drivers usually focus on getting the best <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/insurance\/getting-insurance-after-a-dui\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DUI insurance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> because their premiums have increased so much.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Potentially, though, the right lawyer can help drivers avoid such a conviction. But does everyone accused of driving under the influence need a lawyer? And what are the pros and cons of lawyering up?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep reading to discover all the answers you need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Does Everyone Need a Legal Defense for A DUI?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not everyone facing a DUI needs to lawyer up. This is one of the most serious criminal charges, and if you are innocent, lawyering up may be a good idea. In some cases, you may even qualify to have a public defender represent you. It\u2019s important to note that if you do not qualify for a public defender, you may need to hire a lawyer to represent you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, driving under the influence is one of the charges that can be hard to defend in court. You either were or were not driving under the influence, and the courts will give the most credence to what breathalyzer tests say that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was at the time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your Blood Alcohol Level Is the Ultimate Evidence<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most DUI charges are backed up by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-breathalyzer\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">breathalyzer tests<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and other methods of determining your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If you have a BAC of .08% or higher (or .05% or higher in Utah), you will probably be found guilty of driving under the influence once you get to court.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While this is straightforward, we need to point it out because many charged with a DUI think that their perceived level of drunkenness should be a factor (the classic \u201cI\u2019m not that drunk, I can hold my liquor\u201d kind of excuse). If your BAC meets the legal limit, you will likely be convicted because of the mandatory <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/one.nhtsa.gov\/people\/outreach\/traftech\/TT256.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">per se laws<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that affect each state. But that doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t cases without such cut-and-dry evidence where drivers accused of DUI should seek legal help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Which Drivers Definitely Need to Lawyer Up?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are accused of a DUI and weren\u2019t drinking before setting foot in the car, you should hire a lawyer. For example, certain common medications (including Nyquil and Vicks products) contain alcohol; if you have taken them before driving, the breathalyzer may show positive. In such cases, a proper legal defense may be able to get to the bottom of this \u201cevidence.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Similarly, police officers sometimes administer <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fieldsobrietytests.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">field sobriety tests<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in lieu of the breathalyzer. The danger of such tests is that it\u2019s up to the officer\u2019s discretion whether you appear drunk. In cases where there is no smoking gun of a high BAC, a lawyer may be able to defend you successfully.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finally, it\u2019s worth considering that you can get a consultation from a lawyer regarding your case. A good <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/why-you-need-a-dui-attorney\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DUI attorney<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can help determine whether you have a decent case and can help you understand the legal charges you are facing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-quote\" id=\"home-auto-quote-block_64b1cac8db689\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/pic1.svg\" alt=\"Someone shopping for a car, looking for quality and savings\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"112\" height=\"99\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--small c-quote__title\">Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes<\/h2>\r\n                <form class=\"c-quote__form js-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote\">\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__item c-quote__item--zipcode\">\r\n                <input class=\"c-quote__input c-quote__input--center js-only-numbers js-valid-zipcode\" type=\"tel\"  name=\"zipcode\" placeholder=\"Zip Code\" aria-label=\"Zip Code\" maxlength=\"5\" required>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__controls\">\r\n                <button class=\"c-button c-button--purple c-quote__button\" type=\"submit\">Get a quote<\/button>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__powered\"> Powered by\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/freeway-logo.svg\" alt=\"Freeway Insurance Logo\" width=\"73\" height=\"18\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/form>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_64b1cacddb68a\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pros of Hiring a DUI Lawyer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We already touched on one of the biggest benefits of hiring a DUI lawyer: They understand the legal system and you don\u2019t. An attorney\u2019s understanding of the local court system may give you the edge needed to win your case, and hiring someone with years of experience in fighting such charges has given them invaluable insight into which strategies work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond that, the main benefits of lawyering up are that you won\u2019t have to face this challenging time alone and that your attorney might be able to minimize the damage. For example, your lawyer might be able to secure a more lenient sentence for you, especially if this is your first offense.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cons of Hiring a DUI Lawyer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assuming you don\u2019t have a BAC to destroy your case (which is the main con for most DUI charges), lawyering up has two drawbacks. The first drawback is that it can be difficult to find a good lawyer. For every honest attorney who wants to help you out, there are two or three who may just look at you with dollar signs in their eyes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Speaking of dollar signs, the second drawback is that the best lawyers tend to be the most expensive lawyers. Suppose they help you win the case. In that case, such a lawyer will pay for themselves because you\u2019ll dodge the bullet of your insurance premiums spiking for the next several years (always remember that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/sr-22-rate-savings-tips\/why-switching-carriers-is-the-best-way-to-save-on-sr-22-insurance-2\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">switching carriers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is the best way to save, regardless of the case). But if you lose the case, you might be out of some major legal fees on top of the other expenses you face.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Importance of the SR-22<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By now, you\u2019ve probably discovered that most DUI cases are open and shut. If a driver has a BAC to indicate they are legally intoxicated, then they will probably be convicted. Even if you don\u2019t have such a BAC, there are no guarantees that you will win your day in court (no matter how expensive your lawyer is).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If convicted, you will be legally required to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/sr-22\/what-is-an-sr-22-insurance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">file an SR-22<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with the state. For as long as this is on file (a minimum of three years), you will pay much higher premiums for your car insurance because carriers now have documentation that you are a risky driver. This is why now is the perfect time to explore insurance options and find a carrier that offers the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/rates\/sr-22-average-rates-by-state\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">best possible rates<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, even for those convicted of DUI.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Get the Best SR-22 Insurance Today!<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now you know more about whether you need a lawyer to avoid a DUI conviction. But do you know where you can find the best car insurance regardless of your legal or driving record?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here at SR-22 Adviser, we believe everyone deserves two things: a second chance and good car insurance. To see how we can save you serious money each month, come get <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote-form\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">competitive quotes online<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> from our partner today!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-opinion-banner\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__question js-opinion-banner-question\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__content\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok js-opinion-banner-control-ok\" aria-label=\"Yes, this article is helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--no-ok js-opinion-banner-control-no-ok\" aria-label=\"No, this article is wasn't helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>No, this article is wasn&#8217;t helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-down\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__ok js-opinion-banner-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Winner! Glad you enjoyed it.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__no-ok js-opinion-banner-no-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Still have questions? Contact us for answers.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-button__wrapper\">\r\n                <a class=\"c-button c-button--cyan\" href=\"tel:877-822-2049\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-phone\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>877-822-2049                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1052,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-sr-22-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1051"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1055,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions\/1055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}