DUI charges can put a great deal of stress on your life and can cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful. This is especially true if you are found guilty and sent to jail, where the cost of an attorney is likely to be one of the largest expenses you encounter. Fortunately, there are ways to hire a DUI attorney without breaking the bank. In fact, the cost of hiring one is often less than some fees you’d pay to keep an attorney waiting!
DUI charges are usually reserved for repeat offenders or people with a demonstrated history of drinking. Most states don’t require a direct test of sobriety, such as the breathalyzer or tests of sobriety statistics or driving ability. Instead, the most common method of determining guilt is the field sobriety test. A refusal to take this test is a sure way to get a conviction, because a refusal indicates that you’re obviously unfit to defend yourself. As a result, getting a DUI lawyer is absolutely necessary if you want a chance of defending yourself. Visit this website to get started.
Unfortunately, it is also possible to lose your freedom even when you’ve been given a chance at a fresh start by accepting a plea bargain. For example, in a case involving a second or third offense, a judge might decide that the mandatory ignition interlock device is too harsh a punishment for the offender to undergo. In these cases, the judge may recommend that you hire a defense attorney to help you fight your charges. However, defense attorneys can end up costing you thousands of dollars if they don’t win your case. Instead of hiring a lawyer on retainer, many people simply choose to defend themselves, which can mean big money lost in trial or appeal.
Another situation where hiring a DUI lawyer can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars is if your lawyer represents the arresting officer. The cost of hiring an Orlando attorney to fight your charge is the same no matter what happens, so you need to determine how much your potential savings are before you even consider trying to fight your case. In many cases, the judge will require the police officer to take a pill that will reduce their blood alcohol level, or a controlled substance, prior to being questioned. If you choose to defend yourself, your lawyer can save you this expense.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI attorney in other situations? For example, if you have a traffic citation that has been forwarded to a traffic school in the area where your arrest took place, your court costs are going to run independently of any other issues. Even if you’ve already paid the required fine and attend traffic school, your court costs are likely to continue unless you can prove to the judge that the citation was incorrect. The cost of a traffic school can easily exceed the cost of your ticket, and you’ll be paying for it regardless of whether or not you’re ever pulled over again.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI attorney in situations outside of court? Hiring an Orlando attorney is only the beginning of the process. You’ll also need to find out what type of fines, fees, and possible surcharges will apply to your specific situation. For example, did you know that some counties are known for their aggressive traffic practices? These types of surcharges will definitely add up, so it’s important to be aware of the practices that apply to you before you invest your time and money with an Orlando DUI attorney.
