Top Reasons You Need an Attorney after a DUI in Maryland
After a DUI arrest, you might find that loved ones want to give you advice on how to tackle your case; however, the only counsel you should consider is from a Maryland DUI attorney. Although it might sound like you could save money by representing yourself, investing in a competent defense lawyer will be extremely beneficial long-term. With the right attorney on your side, you might be able to avoid the worst possible penalties after your first, second, or subsequent DUI arrest in Maryland and secure your freedom.
Your Future Is at Stake
In Maryland, you are not able to expunge a DUI conviction. Having a criminal charge on your record can impact your chances of finding a job or obtaining an apartment. A DUI can also lead to increased car insurance rates, and you may even lose your driving privilege for a set period. With the right Maryland DUI defense lawyer’s help, you have a better chance at securing your future.
Public Defenders Are Extremely Busy
Public defenders are an option when you really cannot afford a DUI attorney. But the sad truth is that most of them are overloaded with cases, and they may not be able to invest enough time into your particular matter. If you hire an attorney, they will take the extra time to investigate your case and learn more about it. They may gather more evidence that can help you succeed in court.
Paying more up front for private counsel will help you avoid further complications down the road. Additionally, most attorneys offer a free consultation, so you may take advantage of that to help you decide the best course of action.
Attorneys Will Give You Guidance on How to Plead
When you’re accused of driving under the influence, you have the choice to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Most people have never gone through this process before, so they may not know which plea is best for their case. Your attorney can educate you on the different possible outcomes for each type of plea. For example, if you have witnesses to prove you weren’t drinking and driving, it may be enough to dispute the charge, and they might recommend that you plead not guilty.
They Will Represent You in Court
If you plead not guilty, a trial may be scheduled for your case. While you legally can represent yourself, it’s almost never a good idea. It takes years to master trial procedures, and judges often have little patience for self-represented defendants who don’t know court rules.
You can expect Maryland prosecutors to be aggressive with these charges. A lack of legal knowledge and trial skills will put you at a disadvantage in court. An experienced trial lawyer, like Hillel Traub, understands the procedure required to represent you in court. To protect your best interests, it’s best to hire a trial attorney.
Negotiate Punishments and Obtain Plea Bargains
When a judge convicts you of a DUI, they also assign your punishment. This may include serving time in jail, paying a fine, or completing community service . Often, it will consist of a combination of more than one punishment.
However, an attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the sentence. In other cases, an attorney may argue to change the conviction to a moving traffic violation rather than a DUI.
Contact a Skilled DUI Attorney in Maryland
The Law Office of Hillel Traub can tailor a case for each of its clients. When you partner with us, you can expect the personal attention you need when facing criminal charges. By being more selective about the cases we handle, our law firm can provide better results for clients.
If you are facing a DUI charge, hiring an attorney will pay off in the long run. Attorney Hillel Traub is committed to fighting for his clients’ rights and freedoms. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Hillel is the only choice in Maryland for DUI representation.
Call (410) 580-1100 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation.