One thing you want when you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is aggressive legal representation. You need a lawyer that will aggressively fight for your rights and be your advocate in court. The following will explain the basics of DUI and provide you with tips for choosing DUI attorneys in Morgantown WV.
What is DUI?
DUI simply put means driving under the influence. This encompasses alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal substances). You may also hear it referred to as operating under the influence (OUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). No matter what you call it, it is a criminal offense that comes with very hefty consequences. Even a first offense can result in jail time if you don’t have an attorney to speak for you.
What do you look for in a DUI lawyer?
1) A good track record of fighting for clients’ rights – If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, it is crucial that you find out about the lawyer’s that are known to fight for a defendant’s rights. If you have access to the Internet, check online reviews and attorney websites. You can find out a lot about lawyers online.
2) Locally known – It is to your advantage to avoid hiring a lawyer from out of state or out of the local area. You will have a better chance of getting quality representation when you choose a local criminal attorney. The reason for this is that it is more beneficial to hire a local lawyer since they are known by law enforcement and the current judges. Familiarity is helpful in most cases.
3) Experience – If you find a lawyer with a good track record of truly helping his or her DUI clients, that usually means they are experienced. Experience means they are familiar with the complex DUI, DWI, and OUI laws as well as the various angles from which they can build a defense for you.
These are the basics of what you need to know about DUI and how to choose a good lawyer to represent you. Keep in mind that DUI, OUI, and DWI do not only involved operating a vehicle, but also a bicycle or even just sitting in your car with the keys in the ignition. These are two complicated issues in the law that make it necessary for you to have a DUI attorneys on your side
