When facing a DUI charge, you will need the help of a criminal defense lawyer New York, NY from Oddo & Babat. Many people believe they can handle their case on their own and don’t need to pay to have a lawyer on their team. And while hiring a criminal defense lawyer in New York, NY is more expensive than representing yourself, there is good reason for that due to the incredible value they bring to your case. The cost of having an attorney will likely be less than the fines and punishments you will pay if convicted of a DUI. Here are four benefits to having a New York, NY criminal defense lawyer for a DUI charge.
1. A DUI charge is serious.
All fifty states recognize that driving under the influence is a crime – and with this crime comes serious penalties. Approximately 40% of traffic deaths are due to someone driving under the influence. The courts take this charge very seriously and some states even require mandatory jail time. This is especially true if you have an aggravating circumstance attached to your charge such as extreme recklessness, a high blood alcohol content, or a previous DUI conviction. A criminal defense lawyer in New York, NY can help you explore your options when it comes to sentencing by examining the details of your specific situation and presenting them to the court.
2. They know the legal system.
If your case goes to trial, you’ll need someone on your team who has been there before. A criminal defense lawyer New York, NY residents trust has sat through numerous trials and they know the system. They can work with you on your statement, they will gather evidence, and they will know all the documentation and paperwork that needs to be filed. They also understand and know the prosecution – how they work and think, and the probability of them striking a plea deal.
3. They can potentially help you get your license back.
Regardless of the level of severity of your DUI charge, one of the most common penalties is losing your license for an extended period of time. The time differs by state, but generally speaking you could lose your license anywhere from 90 days to up to 6 months for a first offense, up to one year for your second offense, and up to three years for your third offense. Not having your license can be debilitating to your life. You need to get to work or school; you need to pick up your children. Losing your license means you lose some of your freedom. A New York, NY criminal defense lawyer can work with the courts to help you get your license reinstated, or potentially get you a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, and other court mandated activities.
4. They work on your behalf.
A criminal defense lawyer has your best interest at heart. They work on your behalf and their goal is to help get you the best outcome possible. Facing a DUI charge can be a scary time, but a good defense lawyer gives you peace of mind knowing they will fight for you. If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in New York, NY, reach out to a member of our team at Oddo & Babat today.