If you were arrested for drinking and driving, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need an attorney for a DUI?” You don’t have to hire a lawyer to represent you at your criminal trial; however, you may benefit from having one. Unlike the judge and prosecution, your lawyer is truly on your side. They are there to fight for you at all stages of the process. They can also give you critical legal advice about what options are in your best interests and what is not.
Veitch Ault Defense is a fierce advocate for the criminally accused. We understand that mistakes and misunderstandings happen, causing people to face serious legal issues. We provide personalized and timely representation and support to those who face charges such as driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, vehicular homicide, and felony DUI. Our King County DUI attorney has nearly two decades of experience and is highly knowledgeable in this field.
Do I Actually Need an Attorney to Fight a DUI?
Legally, you don’t have to hire an attorney to advocate for you in a DUI case. Moreover, you have the right to represent yourself or use a public defender. But both of these options can come with potential drawbacks. Hiring a paid, private attorney is often the most effective way to protect your legal rights.
If you act as your own attorney, you may be so involved in the outcome that you miss details. Moreover, without a legal background, you may not know what documents to file (like motions) and how to request evidence. Additionally, you may not have the time or resources to perform legal research to help prepare your defense.
While having a public defender may be appropriate, there are possible disadvantages to going this route. These attorneys are often overworked, with potentially dozens of trials on their docket at once. Because of this, they may not have the significant time to devote to fighting for you. As such, you may get an attorney who has good intentions but doesn’t have the capacity to comprehensively research your case and advocate for you.
With a paid attorney, however, you may get someone with an impressive background and the ability to truly put your interests first. They understand the intricacies of Washington DUI law and how to craft the most effective defense strategy. As a result, you can work with them to develop a partnership of trust and understanding, both of which can serve you well in the legal process.
Why Is It Crucial to Have an Experienced Attorney for DUI Cases?
When you’re charged with a DUI, there’s a lot of pressure on you to make decisions and protect your rights. And there’s a lot on the line. Driving under the influence charges can have incredible consequences on your life. For example, a felony DUI conviction can cause you to lose your license and impact your child custody arrangement. Likewise, having a felony DUI on your record may cause you to lose your right to vote or your gun rights.
An experienced DUI attorney can serve as your first line of defense against these outcomes. A seasoned lawyer understands this area of law and the legal process involved. They can provide critical insights into potential obstacles you may encounter and what would best serve your interests.
Additionally, they can uncover evidence to advocate for a lesser sentence or a reduced charge. Likewise, they can leverage their extensive experience to craft arguments to present at trial. Finally, they can help you understand what you might expect to happen at trial and whether signing a plea bargain is in your best interests.
What Qualities Should You Look For in a DUI Defense Attorney?
When searching for a DUI defense attorney, there are certain qualities to look out for. For example, you may want to hire someone with valuable and extensive experience in Washington DUI law. Likewise, the attorney you choose should have recent positive client reviews. During the consultation, you might also want to talk to them about their past DUI case success rate. While every case is different, asking these questions can help you gain insight into their process.
Hiring a Washington DUI attorney is an important decision. They can talk to you about your struggles and situation and use this information to create a strong defense. Lawyers can also use their extensive knowledge of the law to find details that can help increase your chances of success.
Valuable Experience
When looking for an attorney, you may want to find one with extensive experience fighting for people accused of DUIs. You can ask the lawyer about how frequently they represent people facing DUI charges. Ideally, you may want someone who focuses their practice on criminal defense. Attorneys who regularly handle criminal defense cases often have a unique insight into the process.
Positive Client Reviews
Many experienced attorneys request testimonials from past clients about their time with the firm. In your search for a lawyer, reviewing the success stories or reviews from past clients may be beneficial. This can help you get an idea of what it might be like to work with this law firm.
Past DUI Case Success Rate
While past results don’t guarantee favorable outcomes, asking the lawyer about past successes may be beneficial. For example, you can discuss whether they’ve handled cases that are similar to what you’re going through. You can use this information to understand their process and abilities.
How Does an Experienced Attorney Build a Strong Defense Strategy?
Seasoned lawyers can call on their knowledge and resources to develop a strategy that works best for your situation. For example, they can comb through the prosecution’s case to find potential gaps or weaknesses. Moreover, a lawyer can research the law to discover ways to prevent incriminating evidence from making it to the DUI trial.
Each lawyer has a different approach to handling criminal defense cases. For example, some may take a more aggressive approach, whereas others are more measured. Likewise, each situation may call for a different strategy. For example, the accused in one case may be able to negotiate a light sentence, but this might be unavailable to someone in another situation. When looking for an attorney, finding someone who is a good fit for you is essential.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Skilled DUI Lawyer?
One of the benefits of hiring a lawyer is that they are always on your side. Throughout the entire process, you have someone who is there to answer your questions and fight for you. They can also shield you from some of the pressure you may experience.
Additionally, they are your legal counselor who thoroughly researches your case and creates a strategy that fits the situation. For example, they know how to request and challenge the blood alcohol concentration results. A lawyer can help you understand what you might expect to happen and how you can help minimize the consequences on your life.
Veitch Ault Defense: Experienced DUI Attorneys Proudly Serving Washington State
Being charged with a DUI can be a frustrating experience, causing you to worry about losing your job or suffering other consequences. Instead of going through this process alone, consider the benefits of working with a knowledgeable DUI attorney. Many people find that partnering with a trusted criminal defense lawyer helps give them confidence and relief as they navigate the legal process.
At Veitch Ault Defense, we proudly champion the rights of those accused of crimes in Washington. We understand how people can feel, the questions and concerns they have, and what they often go through in the process. Robert J. Ault is an exceptional attorney who truly cares about his clients. To help him best serve his clients, he has undergone special training in DUIs, such as the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement class presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you are facing DUI charges in Washington, contact us today by calling 425-970-9607 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
