The impacts of DUI and DWI cases appear to be falling. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 746 fatalities from crashes involving alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both in Florida in 2020, which constitutes a decrease of more than 33% from 2019. However, the number of DUI cases appears to be on the rise, with the most recent data showing that over 43,000 DUI cases are filed annually.
If you’re part of the vast majority of DUI cases that do not involve a fatality, you may be tempted to represent yourself in court. Unfortunately, handling a DWI/DUI case is not the same as handling a simple traffic ticket. Although a DWI involves a vehicle, it will be handled in criminal court and requires knowledge of the criminal justice system.
In this brief article, a team member of our Clearwater DWI defense law firm, Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, shares a few of the key reasons you should hire an attorney for your DUI arrest.
1. Attorneys Can Review Field Sobriety Tests for Issues
If your field sobriety test was flawed or administered incorrectly, you may have grounds to reduce your charge to reckless driving. The key is to hire an attorney who is as trained as the police when it comes to administering these sobriety tests. Attorneys Tim Sullivan and Marc Pelletier can review the video of your field sobriety tests to see if they were properly administered and interpreted fairly.
2. Your Attorney Will Review All of Your Options With You
Whether you have decided to plead guilty or want to fight your charges in court, an experienced attorney will be able to share all of your options. For example, if you want to take your case to trial, your attorney will discuss the best defense strategy for your unique case. If you want to reduce your charge, your attorney will help you review DUI diversion programs such as the D.R.O.P. program in Pinellas County, which can help reduce your charge to reckless driving.
3. Your Attorney Will Ensure You Meet All Deadlines
When dealing with any legal case, there are specific deadlines you must meet in a timely manner or you’ll risk a negative impact to your case. Your attorney will help make sure that you meet all necessary deadlines, including entering your plea and completing necessary program requirements (should you opt for a diversion program).
A Clearwater DWI attorney will help you understand the best course of action for your specific case and will guide you through the legal process. In addition to the points above, they will help you understand the avenues you can take to get your license back if it has been revoked and will represent your best interests.
For a free consultation with a DWI attorney in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation