A DUI is a criminal charge for which you have the right to retain legal representation. You can hire a lawyer to represent you in your case and help you avoid the harshest penalties that the court can mete out to you.
It can be tempting to think that you can beat the charge on your own or that you can represent yourself in court. However, by hiring a DUI attorney in Ponte Vedra, clients stand a better chance of winning their case or having their charges argued down the least serious in court.
Knowing When to Hire a Lawyer
When it comes to hiring a DUI attorney, Ponte Vedra clients have the right to retain or have one appointed prior to going to the arraignment hearing. After you are arrested, you have to appear before an arraignment judge typically within 48 to 72 business hours. During the time that you are waiting to appear, you can ask to retain an attorney to represent you.
Your lawyer can then show up to your arraignment hearing and ask the judge to either dismiss the charges or have you released on your own recognizance. If you are responsible for damage to life or property, you more than likely will be given a hefty bond or bail amount to pay, however.
Arguing Down the Charges
Your attorney can also ask the court to lower the charges against you especially if you are a first-time offender. With his or her help, you could avoid going to jail. You could instead receive a lesser sentence of community service or a civil fine.
Having an attorney on retainer can be invaluable when you face DUI charges. You can possibly get out of jail faster and avoid having to pay significant monetary fines that could leave you destitute.
