Do I Need To Hire An Attorney For A DUI Charge?
After a DUI arrest, you may be unsure what to do next. If this is your first offense, you may be tempted to go it alone, take a plea and pay your fine. However, you might change your mind if you understand what may be at stake, even for a first-time DUI conviction. In particular, there are three reasons why an attorney can prove essential when a DUI arrest places your future in question.
The Evidence Against You
Even before police pull you over, there is a good chance they have already decided you are guilty. Everything that happens after that will prove their hunch. Your nervousness may make your hands shake or cause you to stumble over your words. Numerous factors, both physical and environmental, may cause you to fail the field sobriety tests. Even your blood alcohol test may be flawed. We can challenge the evidence and the methods used to collect it.
The Changing Laws
Public safety groups keep pressure on Pennsylvania lawmakers to adjust DUI laws. No one expects you to keep up with these frequent changes. However, at Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, it is our business to know the law, and we know it well. You may not be aware of your rights or the serious penalties for the charges you face, but a skilled lawyer has your best interests constantly in mind. We can recognize when your rights have been violated and will work to protect your freedom and future.
The Damaging Consequences
Facing DUI charges without the benefit of an attorney places you at risk of paying high costs, and not just financially. In addition to fines and fees, you face probation, alcohol treatment, license suspension and potential jail time, depending on your BAC and other circumstances. There are also long-term issues that might affect your job, family and other life opportunities. We make it our goal to minimize or even eliminate these serious penalties.
You Do Not Have To Handle This Alone
When you compare the cost of an attorney with the expense of a DUI conviction, you may not be willing to risk facing the charges without an advocate experienced in criminal law. The sooner you contact our Pittsburgh offices, the faster we can begin to build your defense. By calling 412-341-8477, you can schedule your initial consultation. You can also use our online form.