How to Decide Whether or Not to Pay for a DUI Attorney

If you are arrested for driving after you have had too much to drink, then you could be facing high fines and jail time. However, not all cases are the same. This means that hiring an expensive D.U.I. attorney may not be needed. Consider these factors before you hire an attorney. 

• Obtain a report showing the blood alcohol content of your blood at the time you were pulled over. Most states require this number to be under 0.08 percent for a person to legally drive. However, you can still be charged even when your blood is below this number. Fortunately, you will likely not be charged with driving under the influence. If are charged with a lesser offense, then you will be able to navigate the court system without an attorney. 


• Repeat charges are more serious. If you have had D.U.I. charges over the past 10 years, then you may want to hire a professional to represent you. Repeat offenders can be punished more severely, and a professional attorney will be better prepared to defend your rights.


• Additional charges make it more difficult to represent yourself. If you resisted arrest or had drugs in your possession, then you should seek a professional defense attorney. Compound charges can lead to longer jail sentences, higher fines or both. Also, it is unlikely that you would be able to avoid jail time if you attempt to represent yourself.


• Determine if the officer had probable cause to pull you over. If the officer did not have a reason to pull you over, then any evidence found as a result of you being pulled over is ineligible. In other words, if they had not reason to pull you over, then their case against you is weakened.