Do I Need a Florida DUI Attorney to Assist with My Case?
If you were recently arrested for driving while intoxicated, you might be confused about what to do next. In Florida, harsh penalties await those caught violating the state’s drunk driving laws, so it’s important to consider your next actions carefully. In some situations, provided you take the right steps, you may be able to get the penalties reduced or even have the charges dismissed.
A skilled DUI lawyer can provide guidance in the days ahead, helping you investigate the arrest and protect your rights. In this article, we take a look at a few ways an attorney might be able to assist with your case:
1. Guide You through Proceedings
From helping you make sense of proceedings to conducting an in-depth investigation into your arrest, a DUI attorney is with you every step of the way. He or she can also answer your questions, explain your role at each stage of proceedings, and discuss how they plan to defend you against the charges you’re facing.
2. Prepare the Necessary Paperwork
A DUI case can involve a significant amount of paperwork, and missing the deadlines for filing certain documents could leave you unable to fight the charges. The moment you hire a DUI attorney to handle your case, he or she can grab the reins, overseeing the logistics of your case so you can focus on other matters.
3. Help You Get Your License Back
After a DUI arrest, it’s likely that you will have to appear for a DMV Administrative Review Hearing. You have up to 10 days from the date of the arrest to request this hearing and you will need to complete the correct paperwork to reinstate your license. A lawyer can help you tackle this process, preparing the necessary documentation and working to ensure that you achieve a favorable outcome.
4. Negotiate with the Prosecutor
While a judge does not have the discretion to reduce a DUI charge, a pre-trial prosecutor can—if convinced—help soften the blow. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will explore all your defense options, including, for instance, negotiating a plea bargain for reduced charges during the pre-trial stage of proceedings. He or she can help investigate your case and develop strategies tailored to the unique circumstances surrounding your arrest.
Find a DUI Defense Attorney in Port St. Lucie, Florida Today
From the paperwork to the formal hearing to the court case, a DUI arrest can be both time-consuming and financially devastating. While you could tackle this daunting task alone, hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney to oversee the logistics of your case will ensure you have someone in your corner with the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to achieve a favorable result.
At the Law Offices of Todd A. Kawecki, we have extensive experience—and a track record of success—representing clients in Florida. Todd is a former Florida DUI prosecutor turned Port St. Lucie DUI lawyer who knows what it takes to succeed in even the most complex cases. To pencil in a free consultation, reach out to us at 772-485-4500 or tap through to our contact form HERE.