Yes, you may be able to beat a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) without a lawyer. Many courts allow defendants to represent themselves without the help of a lawyer.
However, if you contest your DUI or DWI without a lawyer and lose, you may face financial penalties or time in jail for your conviction.
You may also be able to hire a DUI or DWI lawyer to represent you in the defense of your case.
Your Options for Defending Your Case
When it comes to defending a DUI or DWI case, you may have three basic options:
Represent Yourself in Court
It may be possible to represent yourself in court, to defend yourself against a DUI or DWI charge. Many courts do not require that a defendant use a lawyer.
Work With a Public Defender
If you choose not to hire a lawyer, the court may assign you a public defender.
Hire a Private DUI Attorney
You may be able to hire a private DUI or DWI attorney to fight your charges on your behalf. A private DUI attorney may provide personalized attention, direct consultation, and an investigation into the facts of your case when they represent you. An attorney will typically handle the legal casework, deadlines, and communications for the clients they represent.
Legal Services That a DUI Lawyer Provides
A DUI or DWI lawyer may provide a wide range of legal services for your case. The law firm’s services may include:
- Answering your questions and discussing possible outcomes of your case
- Legal consultation to help you avoid common mistakes
- A thorough investigation to establish the facts of the case
- Defense against the prosecution’s claims
- Communication with all parties on your behalf
- Working with the court/prosecution to reduce your sentence
Your lawyer may be able to investigate all aspects of your case for evidence in your defense. They may look for discrepancies in the way the case was handled, challenge blood alcohol concentration (BAC) field tests, or check to see if you were pressured or coerced into giving a confession.
Reducing Your Charges
When it comes to beating a DUI or DWI charge, you may have more options than you realize. The case may not be as clear-cut as the prosecution is contending. A lawyer may be able to help you beat or reduce the charge in the following ways:
Challenge the Charge
One of the first approaches that an attorney may take is to challenge the charge outright. Since the burden of proof rests with the prosecution, your lawyer may attempt to show that there is not enough proof and that therefore the case should be thrown out.
Request an Acquittal
Even if there is enough evidence to convict you of the charge, your attorney may find discrepancies in the way the case was handled. You may have been improperly arrested or given a faulty BAC test. Furthermore, the prosecution may have improperly charged your case or failed in their investigation.
Plea Bargain
A plea of “guilty” or “no contest” may give you an opportunity to enter a plea bargain with the court. In a plea bargain, you enter an arrangement with the prosecution if you agree to plead guilty of the charges. The prosecution may agree to reduce or drop your charges depending on the circumstances of your case. A lawyer may be able to help you negotiate the terms of a plea bargain.
Call for a Free Consultation With a DUI Legal Team
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg are here to help you with every aspect of your DUI or DWI case. We represent people charged with DUI or DWI in Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. Randall B. Isenberg has over 30 years of experience and has worked as a former prosecutor and state district judge.
To get a free case review with a member of our DUI and DWI team, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253. We can discuss your case, and what legal options you may have. To get started, call us today.
