What Can I Do, If I Was Charged With A DUI Or DWI In A Different State

If you are charged with a DUI or DWI, you might feel afraid and confused. The situation is even more difficult if you are arrested while traveling in another state. Even though most Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated charges are misdemeanors, these types of cases have serious potential consequences, such as:

• fines
• jail time
• increased insurance premiums
• vehicle immobilization
• and more

Why You Should Not Represent Yourself in Criminal Cases

As a defendant in a criminal case, you have the option to represent yourself, request a court-appointed lawyer, or hire a lawyer. People believe that they can save time and money if they represent themselves in DUI or DWI cases, but the average person does not have the training, knowledge, or experience to represent himself as well as an attorney can. Attorneys are trained through three years of law school, but they also stay updated on new developments in the law. If you represent yourself in a DUI or DWI and lose your case, you will not receive special treatment, a lighter sentence, or an automatic appeal. If you have been arrested out of state, prepare to travel and attend multiple court dates in the county where you were arrested. You can avoid these types of problems by hiring a local criminal defense attorney.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney

Court-appointed attorneys or public defenders are not free. There are fees that you must pay to have this type of lawyer represent you, and not all people qualify for such a lawyer. You must provide detailed financial information to the court to prove that you are indigent or cannot hire your own lawyer. This process is not as fast as hiring your own lawyer and does not give you the advantage of being able to choose the lawyer that fits best with your personality and circumstances. Online legal resources help people choose a lawyer by case type or location. Always hire a local lawyer when possible. Local lawyers are familiar with local rules of court, local laws, and are conveniently located near the courthouses.

Request a Consultation with a DUI or DWI Attorney

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact a local DUI lawyer today. Call and ask for a free consultation to discuss that lawyer's training and experience, strategies for your case, and costs. An experienced DUI or DWI attorney will help you take control of the situation and protect your rights.