6 Reasons Why You Should Hire a DUI Defence Lawyer Even If You’re Guilty

Many people assume that getting caught drink driving means it’s game over and they must accept the consequences. However, that’s not how the law works. Even if you’ve been drinking, you still have rights and options. A skilled DUI defence lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Let’s explore why hiring a lawyer is beneficial, even if you think the evidence is against you.

1.  The prosecution has the burden of proof

A lot of people don’t realise this, but when you’re charged with an offence, the prosecution still needs to prove their case against you, not the other way around. They can’t just say that you were driving under the influence; they need to present evidence, and they must reach a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

In your defence, if there is anything wrong with the way the police handled the stop, how they arrested you, the test proceedings, how they stored evidence, or even how the paperwork was filled out, your lawyer could challenge the entire case against you. So, while the charge may be intimidating, remember that the prosecution must present the evidence before anything actually happens, effectively.

2.  The police may have violated your rights during the arrest and charge

Following our last point, there are some situations where the police could have made a mistake when processing your DUI charge. The police must follow specific rules when they stop you, speak to you, test you, and charge you. If they get any of those steps wrong, it can weaken or even destroy the case against you.

For example, the officer may not have a solid reason to pull you over. The breath test may not have been done correctly. Perhaps you were questioned in a manner that deviates from proper procedure. If any of this happened, your lawyer can argue that the evidence should not be used in court. And once that evidence is removed, the case might fall apart entirely.

3.  A DUI lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed

DUI cases are rarely cut-and-dry cases. A skilled lawyer knows how to look for things you would never think to check, like the reliability of the testing equipment, whether the officer followed the correct timeline, or whether the sample was handled properly.

Any of these issues can open the door for your lawyer to push for the charges to be reduced to something less serious. Sometimes they can even get the entire charge dismissed.

4.  They could negotiate a plea deal

In situations where the prosecution has a clear and good case against you, sometimes the best course of action is to avoid going to trial. In this case, a good DUI lawyer can negotiate a plea deal to protect you from harsher penalties.

This usually means accepting responsibility for a lesser offence that carries lighter consequences. For example, instead of a full DUI conviction, your lawyer may be able to negotiate something with less impact on your licence, your insurance, or your record.

5.  The DUI charge may be the least of your worries

Many drivers think that a DUI is a simple offence, but they don’t realise that it could actually lead to a bunch of other charges being brought against them.  It is common for people to be hit with additional offences they were not expecting, such as refusing a test, carrying open alcohol, or even dangerous driving if an accident was involved.

In more serious cases, someone who caused a collision while over the limit might find themselves facing charges like aggravated assault or similar offences with far heavier consequences. This is why it’s so important to have a DUI lawyer in your corner when you’re being prosecuted. They can protect you from these additional charges and even get them slightly reduced if need be.

6.  The risk of going to jail is high

If you’re pulled over, and your blood alcohol level is just above the lowest range, and it’s your first offence, you might get off with a warning. However, if you have multiple infringements and your tests exceed the levels significantly, you may face more severe penalties, such as license revocation, a larger fine, or even imprisonment.

While you may be guilty, a DUI lawyer would still look at the bigger picture and try to fit the fairest punishment possible. They’ll make sure that you aren’t agreeing to something more serious than necessary or exposing yourself to penalties you did not even know were possible.

Need a DUI lawyer?

If you are facing a DUI charge, even if you believe you were clearly in the wrong, the smartest thing you can do is speak to a defence lawyer as early as possible. A lawyer can explain the charges, protect your rights, and help you build a plan that reduces the impact on your life, your licence, and your future. If you need a lawyer, Drink Driver lawyers specialising in traffic offences can assist you with your DUI case.

Final thoughts

Receiving a DUI can be scary, especially since it is considered a criminal offence in Australia. But it doesn’t mean that you’re going to end up in jail. There’s a lot that the courts consider when assessing your situation, and having a reputable DUI lawyer will make your case even stronger. As soon as you get charged with a DUI, get in touch with a lawyer. This will give them more time to prepare your case