DUI charges can have a life-altering effect, so it’s best to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, it is recommended that you seek the services of an experienced Toronto criminal lawyer immediately. They can guide you through the legal process, safeguard your rights and strive for the most favorable outcome possible for you.
1. Representation in Court
When you’re arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, legal representation is a must. A Toronto DUI charge lawyer can guide you through the process and guarantee your rights are safeguarded.
One of the first things an attorney will do is go over all charges and potential penalties with you. This way, you can gain insight into what to expect and the potential effects that your case may have on your life.
Based on the specifics of your case, a lawyer may be able to negotiate for a reduction in charges or mitigate the severity of your conviction. Doing so could have an advantageous effect on your overall situation and help you avoid higher insurance rates.
If you are a first-time offender in Pennsylvania, an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program allows for quicker approval and access to driving school rather than lengthy court hearings. An experienced DUI lawyer can guide you through this process and get your license back as quickly as possible.
2. Representation in Administrative Hearings
After being arrested for DUI, the first step you should take is contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles and requesting an administrative hearing. These hearings, known as Driver Safety Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings, can help keep your driving privileges while your criminal trial is underway.
At these hearings, a DMV hearing officer reviews evidence presented by an arresting police officer to decide if you should keep or lose your license. They typically take into account any chemical testing results as well as results of field sobriety tests taken.
These hearings differ from court trials in that the DMV hearing officer serves as both an advocate for the DMV and trier of fact, rather than a judge. That’s why having an experienced lawyer on board who can handle both DUI DMV hearings and criminal DUI court trials is so essential.
3. Representation in Negotiations with the Prosecutor
When a DUI defendant is faced with the prospect of jail time or expensive fines, having an experienced lawyer to negotiate these terms on their behalf is key. These deals, known as plea bargains, can be highly advantageous for the offender.
In New York, some prosecutors use stringent guidelines to set plea bargaining ranges for cases. Therefore, having an experienced attorney on hand who understands local District Attorney policies can help clients receive the best possible outcome.
A qualified DUI lawyer will understand the applicable statutory and case law that governs plea bargaining in your jurisdiction. They also know how to take advantage of any weaknesses the prosecutor may have in their case against you in order to secure a favorable resolution through plea negotiations.
The prosecutor is often swamped with cases, and there are strict deadlines for gathering evidence in a DUI case. An experienced DUI attorney can help you meet these objectives and guarantee that all pertinent evidence is obtained in your case.
4. Representation in Appeals
DUI charges are serious offenses with potential long-term repercussions. To protect your future and freedom, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately after being arrested.
In addition to the criminal repercussions of a DUI conviction, it can also have severe psychological and social repercussions. Furthermore, it will raise your insurance rates and cost you an immense amount of money in repairs.
One of the most effective methods to fight a DUI conviction is filing an appeal within 30 days after your conviction. This allows the court to reexamine your case and ensure it was handled correctly.
A lawyer may be able to reduce your sentencing, have charges dropped entirely or even have your conviction overturned. These are winnable cases, but you need an experienced attorney who will take time to thoroughly investigate and identify a solution for success.
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