DUI Defense Attorneys
What is driving under the influence (DUI)?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a commonly used term for the crime of drinking or using drugs and driving. In some states, DUI is also the legal term for the crime itself. Other states use additional or alternate terms such as:
- DWI (driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired)
- OUI (operating under the influence)
- OWI (operating while intoxicated)
- OVWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated)
- DWAI (driving while ability impaired)
There are minor differences in meaning between some of these terms (for instance, “operating” is a somewhat more inclusive term than “driving,” since it doesn’t imply the vehicle was in motion), but for the most part, the terminology is just a function of the jurisdiction where the alleged crime took place, not the underlying offense itself.
As a broad category of law, DUI defense also often includes related charges, such as BUI (boating under the influence), physical control violations, and “wet reckless” (alcohol-related reckless driving) charges.
What are the penalties for DUI?
The specific penalties for DUI depend on the jurisdiction. Every state has laws that include some degree of escalating penalties for second, third, and subsequent DUI offenses, as well as aggravating circumstances, such as driving with a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Some of the penalties that may be assessed include:
- Fines
- Jail or prison
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender’s vehicle
People convicted of DUI may also face consequences outside the criminal justice system, such as loss of a job or loss of a professional license.
What does a DUI defense lawyer do?
DUI defense attorneys are criminal defense attorneys who focus their practices on defending people charged with DUI (or the equivalent charge in their jurisdiction). Some of the actions DUI defense attorneys may take on a client’s behalf include:
- Investigating the circumstances of the DUI arrest and objecting if their client’s rights were violated
- Finding legal grounds to exclude evidence (such as DUI tests)
- Hiring expert witnesses
- Working to get a client’s driving privileges restored
- Negotiating with the prosecution to secure a lesser charge or lower sentence
- Representing the client at trial, if necessary
A DUI defense attorney’s goal is to get the best possible outcome for each client. Depending on the facts of the case, that outcome may not be an acquittal or dismissal of charges; sometimes, negotiating a reduced charge is the best an attorney can do. An effective DUI lawyer is both an attorney and counselor to their client, providing a candid assessment of their legal situation and helping them evaluate their legal options.
How much does a DUI attorney cost?
The cost to hire a private DUI lawyer can be anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or even more, depending on whether the case goes to trial. Many attorneys offer payment plans or installment agreements to make this cost more bearable for the client, since a criminal charge is usually an unexpected expense. Remember that the long-term cost of a DUI conviction can be quite high, especially if it has career consequences, so there is real value in making sure you get a high-quality defense.
How do I choose the right DUI defense lawyer?
Experience and familiarity with the local court system are key to an effective DUI defense. You need a lawyer who has experience and a track record of results handling DUI cases specifically in your jurisdiction. Good DUI attorneys not only know the law, but also the judges, prosecutors, and juries, and they understand how to mount in effective defense on their home turf.
Many DUI defense attorneys offer a free consultation, but even if you do have to pay for the initial meeting, it’s generally worthwhile. Getting clear answers and a candid assessment of a DUI case is invaluable to minimize the effects of a charge on your life.
