Law enforcement has sworn duty of keeping people safe on the roadways. They stop people whom they believe to be inebriated or under the influence of an illegal substance. As important as their duty is, police officers sometimes make errors in judging whether or not a person is driving while intoxicated. You can protect yourself from unfair prosecution in court by hiring an advocate like an Alameda County DUI lawyer or law firm that practices in DUI law before appearing before the judge.
Why Hire an Attorney?
You may wonder why you should hire an attorney to help you when the court gives you the opportunity to plead no contest or guilty in exchange for a lesser punishment. Why should not you take the light sentence instead of pushing your luck before the judge and possibly a jury?
An attorney can play a key role in determining whether or not the arresting police officer carried out the field sobriety test in a lawful and accurate manner. Most police departments across the U.S. offer little to no formal training when it comes to administering a field sobriety test. Police officers are sometimes left to their own devices when they stop a person for suspected DUI.
Your lawyer can review the dashcam video or review the officer’s notes to ensure that the test was given in a way that complied with the law and reached a reasonable conclusion. If questions exist about the test, your lawyer can present them to the court and possibly have the charges lowered or thrown out entirely.
Your attorney can likewise ensure that you are Mirandized properly and given the chance to have counsel appointed or hired prior to answering questions about your alleged offense. Failure to read your Miranda rights could result in the case being dismissed from court.
Protecting Your Money and Future
If you were legitimately under the influence at the time of your arrest, you can still protect your finances and future with legal help. Your lawyer may negotiate down the legal fines and court cost. He or she can also help you keep your job if you are in danger of being fired because of your offense. More importantly, your counsel may be able to keep you out of jail.
You have the right to counsel after a DUI arrest. You may hire a lawyer for these important reasons.