Assume that you’re driving home from a fun night out with your friends in Asheville, North Carolina. The meal was delicious, the music was fantastic, and the overall experience was sublime. But, then, you are stopped and arrested by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). If you don’t know what you’re going to do next, you could face severe penalties. A DUI defense attorney in Asheville will help you explore your legal choices and represent you.
A DUI conviction in Asheville has serious repercussions. They can impact your relationships, professional chances, and divorce or child custody hearings. A single DUI can have life-altering consequences.
So, you should not waste time getting legal representation. This article will guide you on how a DUI defense attorney can help you with your DUI case.
What Can a DUI Defense Attorney in Asheville Do for You?
If you’ve been charged with DUI, you’re probably seeking advice on how to win your case so that you don’t have to go to jail or lose your license. Of course, you can try to fight the accusations yourself, but hiring a DUI defense attorney provides you the best chance of beating the charges and getting the best results possible.
Here are some ways a DUI attorney can assist you in winning your case:
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A Lawyer Knows the Processes
When defending a DUI case, experience is the most valuable asset a lawyer has. They know how to portray your defense in the best possible way and understand what questions to ask witnesses to expose the prosecution’s shortcomings.
A DUI also understands the court’s procedures, such as how to provide jury instructions and how to debate scientific evidence. You don’t have enough time to become a DUI law specialist before your hearing date. Hiring a DUI lawyer gives you an advantage when fighting your case.
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A Lawyer Will Gather Evidence
Evidence is crucial in a DUI case, but you may not realize what you need to gather, and by the time you do, it may be too late. For example, police dashcam video may be crucial to your case, but if you don’t seek it quickly enough, the footage may be lost. An attorney will not allow any delay because they know the timeframes and procedures required to gather evidence.
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An Attorney Will Handle the Paperwork
DUI cases require a significant amount of paperwork, some of which must be filed by specific deadlines. You don’t want your defense to be rejected due to a technical issue. An attorney knows when to file the paperwork for your defense and will do so within the time stated in the rules of court.
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An Attorney Will Help You With Plea Negotiation
In a DUI case, avoiding going to court in front of a jury is sometimes significant. However, if it appears that you will be found guilty, your lawyer can work with the prosecution to secure you the best possible plea bargain.
Suppose it is your first offense. Your lawyer may be able to keep you out of jail and prevent your license from getting suspended if you agree to plead guilty, attend alcohol classes and therapy, or conduct community service.
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A Lawyer Can Help You Get a Reduced Sentence
If you refuse the plea negotiation and the case goes to trial, but you do not win, your DUI defense attorney in Asheville knows what to say and do to get you a sentence that is less than the maximum authorized by law.
If you are found guilty of DUI, a light punishment may be a victory. For example, you may not have to go to jail if you complete an alcohol treatment program and install an ignition interlock device in your car. However, in some cases, you have to pay a fine.
A conviction is not the end of the world, especially if your lawyer can negotiate a reduced sentence. Furthermore, there may be ways to keep a DUI conviction off your record. Your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action in your case and will fight for you to achieve your aim.
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A Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
Even when you are guilty of a DUI, an attorney can still assist you by requesting to have your record erased, which means it will not negatively influence your job or credit. It’s not easy to have a conviction expunged, so having an attorney guide you through the process is essential.
An attorney will do everything to ensure that a DUI conviction does not ruin your life. So, again, don’t hesitate to hire one, and it is best to avoid making a recorded statement to the police until you have legal representation.
What Happens if You Don’t Hire a DUI Defense Attorney in Asheville?
If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could face some severe punishments. As mentioned earlier, DUI convictions, for example, can result in jail time, fines, the loss of your driver’s license, and the loss of your work. You are not required to employ a DUI lawyer to represent you in court, but we strongly advise you to do so.
Although you have the legal right to represent yourself in a DUI trial, doing so is not a wise choice. Our attorneys understand how difficult trials can be and how much expertise is required to succeed.
In court, representing themselves and lacking legal expertise can be highly damaging. Judges frequently have little patience with self-represented defendants unfamiliar with the criminal court’s regulations. Also, claiming insufficient legal knowledge will not get you any preferential treatment, so get legal representation.
Asheville DUI Guy Can Help You With Your DUI Case
Anyone facing a driving under the influence arrest will find it challenging to go through the court system without the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Drunk driving laws are frequently complex, and in most situations, a defendant and their lawyer must have a well-thought-out defense strategy.
Our DUI attorneys recognize that the laws governing DUI in Asheville, North Carolina, are complicated and diverse. They will thoroughly research your case to ensure that you are not penalized or get the least punishment. So giving up and accepting the DUI charges is the worst thing you can do for yourself.
If you or a family member faces a DUI charge in Asheville, North Carolina, don’t hesitate to contact an Asheville, North Carolina, criminal defense lawyer. Contact Asheville DUI Guy today for a free consultation to get a head start on your case.
