Is a DUI a Felony?

Advice from a qualified Criminal Attorney is probably the best advice you’ll ever get, especially if you’ve just been charged with a serious crime. A good lawyer can keep you out of jail, a bad one can get you incarcerated faster than you can say “drunk driving conviction”. This article will advise you how to find a lawyer and then how you can get the best from your relationship with them.

Maybe I should start by saying exactly what criminal law is. It is different from other types of law, such as those concerned with contracts, damages and family law, which are essentially disputes between two individuals or opposing parties. In criminal law the opposing party is the state or government.

Criminal law comes into effect when a person commits an act that has been outlawed by the legislature. This includes acts – or crimes – such as homicide, kidnapping, theft, assault, speeding, DUI and DWI. An attorney practicing criminal law will deal with issues arising from the investigation, the prosecution and the sentencing of those who transgress any criminal law. It is essential to get a qualified criminal lawyer involved just as soon as you can.

Understanding the implications of the criminal charges that are laid against you is vital. Unfortunately, many people only have a vague idea of what the law is and the punishments you can incur when you breach them. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse that will be allowed in court. Some people begin to understand the gravity of a crime only when they are convicted. If you are convicted for breaking state or Federal laws, then you will need a qualified and highly professional lawyer to help you.

Picking The Best Attorney For Your Needs

It is important to note that not every lawyer is qualified to represent a client for every charge. You need an attorney who has experience and is specialized not only in criminal law but also in the branch of criminal law that affects you – in this case DUI and DWI.  There are many things a good lawyer can do for his or her client.

If you already have a lawyer for other matters, such as who handled your divorce or maybe a property matter, you could ask them for a recommendation. In some cases these lawyers may try and put themselves forward to help you with your DUI or DWI case. Unless they have the proper experience in this branch of the law you should decline politely but firmly.

Another way of finding a suitably qualified criminal lawyer is to search the internet and to consult websites such as this. Specialist attorneys very often advertise their wares to let you know just how good they are. Take what they say with a pinch of salt, but you’ll find that only attorneys who work in a specific field will bother to take out paid-for ads. You’ll find them featured mainly on specialist websites (such as this) and in directories such as dmoz.org.

You may find that the fees you are expected to pay may be high, but so are the stakes. If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence or Driving Whilst Intoxicated (otherwise known as “drunk driving”) you will receive a felony conviction. This will almost certainly impact on your employment prospects and might even lead to jail time. Yes, you need expert advice from a good lawyer and the better the lawyer, the better your chances of getting the charges reduced or indeed being acquitted. You’ll find more specific advice here: Criminal Defense Attorney: Find The Best.

What A Criminal Attorney Can Do For You

One of the responsibilities of any attorney is to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the crime are dealt with appropriately and in line with the rules and regulations set down by law. If proper procedure has not been followed – for example if your rights were not read to you at the correct time -  then you may be entitled to seek acquittal on what is known as “a technicality”. Only an experienced lawyer is capable of properly determining your rights in these regards.

Only a qualified attorney may visit a criminal who is behind bars. A client may opt not to comment when questioned for any crime except in the presence of his or her attorney. In some countries and states no one may be questioned except in the presence of an appointed attorney, but this varies. Again it is important that your lawyer advises you on this.

During the prosecution, your attorney will be on hand to make sure that the proper code of ethics is maintained when dealing with you. Preparing the documents correctly, keeping an eye on the prosecution to make sure they are fulfilling their legal obligations and representing you in court are possibly the most important duties of a criminal attorney.

Should you be convicted your lawyer will know the grounds (if any) and procedures for making an appeal and filing for bail. The criminal lawyer has the legal obligation to fight for the rights of his or her client. He will do this through legal counseling and negotiation.

For certain crimes – such as DWI and DUI – the punishment and the fines are pretty much fixed. However, a good attorney can fight to have them reduced. Never forget: it is very important you find a criminal attorney who is properly qualified and has the experience of Driving While Intoxicated and Driving Under The Influence laws to fight in “your corner”. Good luck.