Driving a car on a daily basis is a necessity for many people in the Orange County area. To ensure that all people are safe on the road, driving violations are taken very seriously in this area of California. One crime that can come with very serious repercussions is if you are charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are charged with this, it is very important that you have an attorney by your side. An Orange County DUI lawyer can provide a range of services to ensure your rights are properly represented.
Consultation of Situation
When you hire an Orange County DUI lawyer, the first thing they will do is provide you with a consultation on your situation. While a DUI is somewhat common, no two cases are the same. Your ultimate outcome could be based on a variety of factors including past offenses, other moving violations and if there were any injuries due to negligence. The attorney will be able to review your police report, witness statements and speak with you to fully assess the situation. Based on this, they can discuss your options for moving forward and what your potential penalties could be.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
When you are charged with a DUI, the most common way that it will be resolved is through the negotiation of a plea deal. When you call a Orange County DUI lawyer, the attorney will work to represent your best interests. This will include working and negotiating with the prosecutors, any other party involved in your accident and an insurance company to make sure there is a fair compromise. Often, this is the best route to go as it can result is less penalization and eventually the removal of the DUI from your record.
Represent in Court
At some point, you still may need to be represented in the courtroom. If your DUI was serious, or you are not able to negotiate with the prosecutor, defending yourself in court could be the best option. When you do this, the Orange County DUI attorney will help you to develop a plan that you can follow to build and present a case. If necessary, they can also provide full representation during appeals or other legal processes following your charges.
Ultimately, getting a lawyer for representation is very important for anyone that is charged with a DUI. These attorneys can provide a variety of services that will help to ensure your rights are properly represented. This could result in a far better outcome, which can include reduced punishment or financial penalties, than if you tried to represent yourself on your own.