If this is your first time being charged with a drunk driving offense you might feel embarrassed, regretful, and emotional—especially if you are underage. Also, if this is the first time you have ever been charged with a crime, you might feel uncertain about the consequences, what will happen in court, and if you should seek any help from a DUI Lawyer. Making the decision to hire a lawyer will be dependent on your situation, how well you can handle representing yourself in court, and if this is your first, second, or third offense. Inevitably, it is your choice. However, there is no denying that hiring a DUI lawyer offers many benefits.
To help you better understand whether or not you need a DUI lawyer for your drunk driving case, we at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, would like to offer three situations where we believe it is necessary.
#1 – You do not have any knowledge of your state’s DUI laws, and you are uncertain of how to act and what to do while you are in court.
If this is your first DUI offense and you have no idea what your rights are, the consequences, or you have serious doubts about representing yourself alone in court, call a lawyer. The best DUI lawyers will:
- Personally walk you through every step of the legal process.
- Thoroughly assess your situation and its consequences.
- Educate you on your state’s DUI laws and in the ins and outs of the courtroom.
#2 – This is your 2nd DUI, and your BAC limit was double your state’s limit.
If this is the second time you have been arrested for drunk driving and your BAC limit was double your state’s limit or higher, it is time to consider hiring a lawyer. Even though you might be aware of the consequences and fines you face, harsher penalties could be imposed. In Pennsylvania, the average amount of jail time an individual receives for their 2nd offense typically comes with anywhere from 5 days to up to six months of jail time. However, how high your BAC was also has an effect on the jail time, fines, and penalties you face. If you want to try to keep everything at a minimum, hiring a DUI lawyer is ideal.
#3 – You have had multiple DUI’s, and were also in an accident.
If you have been charged with multiple DUI’s in the past and you were also the cause of an accident, injury, or death—finding a lawyer is a must. While it might seem obvious for you to plead guilty, having a lawyer to consult with will make you aware of the sentences you will receive, and whether or not they can be reduced.
Making the decision to drive while you are intoxicated is a bad decision. Even though you might have been down this road before or think that there is no way you will get caught, that does not change the fact that driving under the influence is a bad decision. Drunk driving is not something anyone should make a habit of because sooner or later—you will be pulled over and there will be consequences.
If you believe that you need a Philadelphia DUI lawyer for your case, do not hesitate to reach out to Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC. We offer free consultations for any and all DUI cases in PA and NJ.
