Why You Should Hire a Detroit DUI Lawyer

Mar 06, 2018, by Maurice Davis in Legal Blog, OWI

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that two-thirds of individuals will at some time in their lives be involved in a drunk driving accident. This means that they will either suffer in an accident because of a drunk driver or drive under the influence themselves. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime in every state including Michigan. When charged with a DUI, you have the right to represent yourself in court without an attorney. However, most defendants will obtain a court-appointed public defender or hire a private DUI lawyer.

Hiring a private DUI attorney in the wake of your drunk driving arrest can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your case.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Michigan, you should reach out to a Michigan DUI lawyer at Davis Law Group. We have experience handling DUI cases in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, Southfield, and more. We hold the expertise and the resources to fight on your behalf for an outcome that minimizes, and when possible, eliminates the penalties you are facing.

To schedule a free consultation to go over your case, call us right away at (313) 818-3238.

What’s at Risk with a DUI Conviction?

A DUI conviction in Michigan can have serious and lasting effects on your life. Even a first offense can bring penalties that impact your freedom, finances, and future.

License Suspension: You could lose your driver’s license for up to six months, or up to a year if you refused a chemical test during your arrest.
Jail Time: First-time offenders can face up to 93 days in jail, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Fines and Costs: You may be fined between $500 and $1,000, along with court fees and other expenses.
Criminal Record: A DUI conviction stays on your record and can affect your job, insurance rates, and future opportunities.
Additional Penalties: You may be required to install an ignition interlock device or complete alcohol education before getting your license back.

Can’t I Defend Myself Against DUI Charges?

It’s possible to defend yourself for a DUI charge, or you may even be assigned a public defender. However, public defenders often don’t have the resources or availability a private defender could offer you. There can be other challenges that you aren’t aware of, which a private defender could protect you from.

A DUI Lawyer Understands the Legal System

An experienced DUI attorney understands the intricacies of the legal system that the average person may not know nor understand. These advocates are thoroughly familiar with the legal statutes in the state of Michigan, and they understand your rights under the law as well. Skilled attorneys who handle DUI cases know how to take advantage of the best options available in any particular case.

A DUI attorney can walk you through each step of your case, provide you with options and suggestions, and vigorously defend you against a determined prosecution.

A DUI Lawyer Will Fight For You

DUI attorneys understand what it takes to minimize, and when possible, eliminate the charges and consequences you are facing from your DUI charge. They build a defense for defendants on a case-by-case basis. Their laser focus is to reduce the severity of the charges against you – this can include a lessening of fines or jail time, as well as proposing community service. With extensive knowledge of how the system works, a professional DUI lawyer can save you a tremendous amount of time and hassle, and possibly your freedom.

A few additional reasons why you may need to hire a DUI lawyer include:

You have multiple DUI convictions on your record and another person was injured or killed in a crash in which you were driving under the influence.
You believe you were mistakenly arrested for DUI.
You have been arrested for DUI with a high blood-alcohol content that exceeds the limit in the state.

What Defenses Can I Use Against Detroit DUI Charges?

When you’re approaching a DUI case, you need to understand that each case is different. Generic strategies may not be enough to fight your charges. Your DUI defense lawyer should investigate your case, checking out circumstances and examining the evidence surrounding your arrest, then they can advise you of the best strategy. When your Michigan DUI defense lawyer takes on your case, one of their priorities will be to review the evidence that the prosecutor is using against you. Depending on this evidence, the circumstances under which you were arrested, and your criminal history, your lawyer will formulate the best defense strategy available to you. This may include one or more of the following approaches:

Filing a motion to suppress – The prosecutor may be trying to prove that you drove while intoxicated by using evidence that was obtained in violation of your rights. If the police didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over initially, or if someone mishandled your blood or urine sample, this evidence may not be used against you to prove your guilt. Your lawyer can ask the judge to remove this evidence from the case by filing a motion to suppress.
Taking the case to trial – At trial, the prosecutor will need to prove every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that if your lawyer can show that there is any reasonable possibility that you were not under the influence at the time of your arrest, you may be acquitted of your DUI charges.
Working with the prosecutor – You may not have a strong enough case to beat your DUI. In these situations, it’s best to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor as opposed to going through the time and expense of a trial. Your criminal defense lawyer can use their negotiating skills to secure you the best deal possible. In some situations, plea deals can reduce time in jail and lessen the other harsh consequences of a DUI conviction.

Contact an Experienced Michigan DUI Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge in Michigan, you need a skilled and determined advocate to defend you. At Davis Law Group, our DUI lawyers understand the ins and outs of the legal process and can work hard to achieve optimum results on your behalf. We have experience handling DUI cases in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, Southfield, and more.