Getting arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be scary. This arrest can leave you feeling like it’s the end of your life. However, you should just try to stay calm. A reliable Gloucester DUI lawyer can assist you. Read on to know how your attorney can help build a strong case for you:
Offering Initial Consultation
When you approach a DUI attorney, they will sit down with you to discuss your situation. Take this opportunity to talk about your side of the story. It’s important to be honest with your attorney as they can only help you if they possess all the facts. Make sure to bring all important documents from the arrest, so your attorney can understand what occurred.
When you visit a DUI attorney for the first time, you will be told about your rights and potential defenses. For instance, if the law enforcement officer who arrested you failed to read your rights or allow you to contact an attorney, this is a violation of your rights. An experienced lawyer knows the technical defenses to consider. Also, they will take into account the penalties you may face when convicted. This depends on your blood alcohol level and a history of DUI. However, your attorney is focused on helping you avoid a conviction and reduce penalties.
Collecting Evidence
Following your initial consultation with a DUI lawyer, they will begin to collect evidence they can use in your case. Pieces of evidence they will get include police reports, surveillance videos, and breathalyzer records. They will look for issues with the evidence presented by the prosecutors. For instance, they will question the calibration of the breathalyzer machine or whether the arresting officer had a valid reason to pull you over.
In addition, your DUI attorney will hire experts. For instance, they can work with an accident reconstruction specialist to analyze the accident. Expert opinions can weaken the case of the prosecution.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor
A lot of DUI cases are settled in plea bargains. With such bargains, you get lesser penalties for pleading guilty. A dependable attorney negotiates with the prosecution for the best deal. However, in some instances, the prosecutor has strong evidence and wants to have you convicted. In this situation, your case will go to trial.
Preparing Your Defense
Should your case end up at trial, your lawyer will build your defense strategy. After they examine the evidence and study legal defenses, they will decide how they should argue your innocence. Also, they may file pretrial motions.
