Being charged with a DUI is serious, and the actions that you take after your arrest can make a big difference. The smart thing to do in this type of situation is to immediately hire a DUI lawyer to represent you. Unfortunately, many people opt to take their chances and try to represent themselves in court. While the services of a highly skilled DUI lawyer may not be inexpensive, hiring a DUI lawyer is a very good investment. Some of the top reasons why not hiring a lawyer after being charged with a DUI is a big mistake include:

Not Understanding DUI Law

The average person who is charged with a DUI has little to no understanding of DUI laws in their state or the process and procedures that need to be followed when a person is charged with a DUI. Thus, a person who does not have a lawyer will likely simply accept the charges. However, mistakes can be made by police officers when someone is arrested for a DUI. For example, if a breathalyzer machine is not properly calibrated, the charges may be thrown out. A good DUI lawyer will investigate the details of a case to determine if the charges are even valid.

Lack of Ability to Negotiate With the Prosecutor

As a normal person off the streets who has been charged with a DUI, you likely won't have the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor about your case prior to being in court. This means that the chance of a favorable plea deal will be slim to none. When you have a lawyer representing you, things can be a lot different. DUI lawyers often have professional relationships with prosecutors, so they are able to negotiate good plea deals on behalf of their clients if a person is not likely to be acquitted.

No Courtroom Experience

If you have no legal experience, the last thing that you should do is try to defend yourself in court when you have been charged with a DUI. Normal people typically do not have the skills needed to be effective in court in front of a judge and jury. When you want the best outcome possible, you need to hire a DUI lawyer to represent you. A good DUI lawyer will know how to build a strong defense on your behalf and will be able to present that defense in court. 

If you need DUI lawyer services, contact a law firm in your area.