When pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence, it is wise to call a New Haven DUI attorney right away. Whether this is a first-time offense or you have been convicted of a DUI in the past, this charge is a serious one. Hiring legal counsel is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best opportunity for being found innocent or receiving the lowest penalties possible, upon conviction.
Time is of the essence
The sooner a person calls our office for help, the better. We can help the accused get out of jail on bail. We can also work with the prosecution from the beginning before official charges are filed. This can sometimes help to get charges reduced without going to trial. For example, if this is a first-time offense, the prosecutor may be willing to charge someone with reckless driving instead of a DUI. There is no guarantee that this will happen but it is worth trying.
Since staying in jail can be dangerous and can lead to physical harm, calling a lawyer right away is the best option. Additionally, remaining in jail can pose problems with family obligations or make it impossible for the accused to go to work, causing job loss or wage losses. These are all reasons to contact our office and hire a New Haven DUI attorney immediately.
Penalties
The penalties for conviction of a DUI will depend on how intoxicated a person was and any past convictions. They typically involve a fine and may also include spending time in jail, a requirement to take classes or the loss of a license. We can discuss all these penalties during a consultation and make it clear what the accused is likely to face if convicted.
Remember that the ultimate goal is to either convince a jury that there is reasonable doubt the accused was driving while intoxicated or presenting an argument for why the penalties should be as light as possible. As a New Haven DUI attorney, we may need to call witnesses who can testify to the behavior of the accused before or while driving. For example, they may be able to testify that the accused only had one beer.
We may call witnesses to testify as to the character of the accused as well. Demonstrating how they are a responsible citizen can go a long way if they have not been convicted of a crime in the past. This could include known community members, pastors, professors, etc.
Long-term complications
Being convicted of a DUI will have long-term complications that can include problems obtaining employment. This is a criminal conviction and, as such, those who are found guilty may have a hard time finding employment or qualifying for jobs that need a security clearance. It may even be hard to rent an apartment or be treated fairly in child custody cases. This all makes it wise to hire a New Haven DUI attorney. To speak with one, call our office today.
