Drunk driving is such a common crime, you likely know at least one if not more people who have been accused of it. If you spend any time talking to a DUI defense lawyer, you will quickly learn that there are several myths surrounding this crime. If you have been accused, understanding these myths will help you understand why you need to seek legal counsel when facing this accusation.
Myth 1: Most People Are Guilty
Some people do not seek the services of a DUI Defense Lawyer because they assume that most people are guilty, so if they are charged, there is little hope of having the charges dropped, even in court. Even if the accused individual knows that he or she is innocent, they may opt to just pay the fine and take the penalties rather than fighting the charge because of the assumption that the courts will charge them regardless of what they do.
The truth is, however, that most charges are made based on a breath analysis performed by the police at the scene. However, often this is not followed up with a blood test. This can make the evidence shaky, because breath tests can be inaccurate or inaccurately read. An attorney who understands how the machines work can easily get the results from one dismissed as poor evidence of drunkenness.
Myth 2: It Doesn't Matter What Attorney I Use
If you have been accused of drunk driving, you need the skills of a DUI defense lawyer. While any attorney has the legal right to represent you, each is a specialist in a specific area of the law. Because this is considered a criminal offense, you need the right attorney, and the right one is one that has specifically studied drunk driving laws. This will ensure that the attorney knows exactly how to prepare your defense to be the most beneficial possible for you. It will also ensure that the attorney truly knows the laws surrounding drunk driving in your area.
Myth 3: It Is Impossible
Many people think that drunk driving arrests always lead to a conviction, but this couldn't be further from the truth. If you have strong representation from a DUI defense lawyer who knows his stuff, you can likely get it thrown out on a technicality. This is particularly true if you live in an area where jury trials are available. In these areas, only around 20 to 30 percent of all arrests lead to a conviction. The number is quite higher in areas that do not offer the jury trial.
Myth 4: It Doesn't Really Matter
Drunk driving charges may not seem like they matter much, particularly if you are facing your first one and the consequences are somewhat minor. But, this again is not true. Any DUI defense attorney will tell you that drunk driving is a very serious conviction. In many areas it is considered a criminal act, and the fines for this conviction are going up all over the country. Also, it can lead to jail time and almost always gives you a criminal record. This can make it more difficult to find a job in the future, among other consequences. You are far better off trying to fight it than ignoring it.
Myth 1: Most People Are Guilty
Some people do not seek the services of a DUI Defense Lawyer because they assume that most people are guilty, so if they are charged, there is little hope of having the charges dropped, even in court. Even if the accused individual knows that he or she is innocent, they may opt to just pay the fine and take the penalties rather than fighting the charge because of the assumption that the courts will charge them regardless of what they do.
The truth is, however, that most charges are made based on a breath analysis performed by the police at the scene. However, often this is not followed up with a blood test. This can make the evidence shaky, because breath tests can be inaccurate or inaccurately read. An attorney who understands how the machines work can easily get the results from one dismissed as poor evidence of drunkenness.
Myth 2: It Doesn't Matter What Attorney I Use
If you have been accused of drunk driving, you need the skills of a DUI defense lawyer. While any attorney has the legal right to represent you, each is a specialist in a specific area of the law. Because this is considered a criminal offense, you need the right attorney, and the right one is one that has specifically studied drunk driving laws. This will ensure that the attorney knows exactly how to prepare your defense to be the most beneficial possible for you. It will also ensure that the attorney truly knows the laws surrounding drunk driving in your area.
Myth 3: It Is Impossible
Many people think that drunk driving arrests always lead to a conviction, but this couldn't be further from the truth. If you have strong representation from a DUI defense lawyer who knows his stuff, you can likely get it thrown out on a technicality. This is particularly true if you live in an area where jury trials are available. In these areas, only around 20 to 30 percent of all arrests lead to a conviction. The number is quite higher in areas that do not offer the jury trial.
Myth 4: It Doesn't Really Matter
Drunk driving charges may not seem like they matter much, particularly if you are facing your first one and the consequences are somewhat minor. But, this again is not true. Any DUI defense attorney will tell you that drunk driving is a very serious conviction. In many areas it is considered a criminal act, and the fines for this conviction are going up all over the country. Also, it can lead to jail time and almost always gives you a criminal record. This can make it more difficult to find a job in the future, among other consequences. You are far better off trying to fight it than ignoring it.
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