In Florida, a DUI conviction can never be removed from your criminal record. If you have been arrested for DUI in West Palm Beach, it’s crucial to work with an attorney to give you the best chance of a favorable outcome in your DUI case. Here are six key reasons to work with a DUI lawyer in West Palm Beach as soon as you learn of the charges against you.
Florida DUI Laws are Complicated
It can be challenging to understand DUI laws in Florida and how they apply to your particular situation. The national and state BAC limit is 0.08. If you tested on the Intoxilyzer 8000, the state-approved breath test machine, it is possible that it caused you to produce a flawed result. Challenging these results is a crucial component of your DUI defense; without understanding the device’s inner workings, it’s nearly impossible to come up with a competent argument against its results.
A person who has been arrested for DUI who has no previous legal experience runs a significant risk should he or she choose self-representation at this vulnerable time. Florida has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country, and you could end up in jail for a significant period and lose your driving privilege if you fail to deliver a quality defense.
DUI Attorneys Can Gather Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses can help your DUI lawyer fight the BAC test results. Many issues may affect the accuracy of the BAC you produce at the police station or precinct. Experts who are familiar with the device on which you tested and the way the body processes alcohol, such as engineers and toxicologists, can cast doubt on the accuracy of your results. If your BAC test results cannot be relied upon as evidence, your charges may be dropped.
Years of Experience with Legal Procedures
An attorney who practices criminal defense has a firm grasp on necessary court procedures. Their insider knowledge of these procedures makes it possible for them to take measures ahead of your trial that can benefit your case. Sometimes, an attorney can file pretrial motions that lead to the dismissal of your charges. If you handle a DUI charge on your own, you could easily miss deadlines and improperly file important documents. Let an attorney concern himself with the logistics of your case.
DUI Attorneys Can Negotiate Plea Deals
Sometimes, incriminating evidence prevents you from entering a not guilty plea. If you must plead guilty, an attorney can negotiate a deal with the prosecutor to reduce the penalties you may face. An attorney who has worked as a former prosecutor is a significant asset in any DUI case because he knows just what kind of evidence is insufficient to bring forth a conviction and likely has an established relationship with the prosecutor in your case.
A DUI Lawyer in West Palm Beach Can Save You Money
Without a DUI defense lawyer on your side, you would have to do all the work that a lawyer would do if you are not eligible for a public defender. This means working on your own defense by conducting investigations, hiring expert witnesses, and handling other tasks that are unfamiliar to you. The cost of making mistakes along the way is almost always greater than the cost of obtaining quality counsel from the start.
At The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel, we are dedicated to providing quality representation for people accused of DUI and other offenses throughout Palm Beach County. Attorney Brian Gabriel has led the fight against the Intoxilyzer 8000 in Palm Beach County and has provided criminal defense to clients for over 30 years. To set up a free consultation, call 561-622-5575 or complete our contact form.
