Charges related to driving under the influence always involve a hearing in criminal court. You may be wondering whether it is truly necessary for you to hire an attorney to assist with your upcoming court case. After all, the expense of hiring an attorney can be significant when you consider the original consultation, the research required to build your case, and the time spent in the courtroom on your behalf. Is it really necessary to have an attorney at your DUI hearing?

There are several factors that you need to consider before you decide whether to hire an attorney for your hearing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the bigger questions you may have to answer before you head to court.

Can I represent myself?

The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to hire a lawyer to help with your DUI case. In criminal court, you do have the option to represent yourself and argue your own case. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should choose to do so. More people than ever are deciding to try this tactic in order to save themselves some money. They don’t realize that they lack the intimate knowledge of the court system, the law, and the proper way to file paperwork. All of these things can work against them to make self-representation an extremely poor choice.

How do I know if I have a strong case?

If you are on the fence about hiring an attorney, the best thing you can do is to get a consultation from a local attorney who is experienced with handling DUIs. Most law firms will give out consultations for little to no money, allowing you to get professional advice on the unique details of your case. This is the easiest way to ensure that you are on the right path with your case and argument. Even better, you don’t necessarily have to hire the same attorney who gives you the consultation. You’re welcome to interview others to find the perfect fit for your case.

In many situations, the court might offer you a plea deal for your DUI if there were no aggravating factors and it was the first offense. You may be tempted to accept this offer immediately, but a good attorney can often negotiate even better terms. During the consultation, you might want to ask questions about their success with negotiating plea deals for clients.

What do I bring to the consultation?

When you consult with a potential attorney, you need to remember to come to the consultation prepared. This is the only way that they can offer you accurate legal advice. Bring all of the documents related to your arrest and the case. This gives them the best glimpse into what you might be facing in the courtroom.

Standing before the court for a DUI offense can be nerve-wracking, which is why you need an experienced DUI lawyer by your side. Give Matthew Gould a call for a consultation today!