When it comes to the number of DUI incidents, we continue to see a downward trend across Arizona over the last few years. While this is good news and could possibly prove that the state’s harsh DUI laws are actually working, there are still thousands of people arrested in Arizona for DUI related charges each year.
For these people, the overall downward trend doesn’t mean much. What they need is help to put their Arizona DUI experience behind them as quickly as possible. Many people facing Arizona DUI charges have found that putting their case in the hands of an experienced Arizona DUI attorney was the best decision they made.
There are some who would argue that hiring an attorney is only necessary in certain situations and that many DUI incidents will result in the same outcome with or without the involvement of an Arizona DUI attorney. Our experience at Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys proves otherwise. Here are three important reasons to hire an attorney if you have been arrested for DUI.
Legal Advice and Knowledge of the System
When you were pulled over and arrested for suspected DUI, chances are you weren’t in the optimal state of mind to remember details surrounding the incident, regardless of how much you had to drink. For many people, being arrested for a DUI is their first experience with being charged with a crime and having to face the ensuing court proceedings. It can be a very disorienting experience.
An Arizona DUI attorney can be a very valuable ally during this time. Your attorney can help you retrace the series of events that led to your arrest and ensure your rights were protected at all times. Some DUI cases have been completely dismissed based on a skipped step or oversight on the part of the officers involved. You may never know what to look for if you don’t have an Arizona DUI attorney representing you.
Court Appearances
Appearing before a judge for any reason can be stressful. Time seems to slow down and it’s very easy to become nervous and misspeak or leave something out. Those few minutes you spend in front of a judge might seem important to you, but for a judge who has been sitting and listening to similar cases all day, things can get very routine and systematic.
You need an attorney who is comfortable in the courtroom and can speak in terms that a judge will relate to. A good DUI attorney has spent years building a good reputation in the courtroom and knows the right things to say and when to say them. You will feel more confident in the outcome of your case when you have an attorney by your side.
Sentencing
Many people don’t stop to think about all of the different stages of a court case. It’s easy to believe that all DUI cases are handled exactly the same way and that they all result in the same exact punishment.
While that may be true to an extent, there are a number of situations where a knowledgeable attorney can help in having the punishment reduced or altered. Depending on the situation, there may be options when it comes to serving a sentence that you may not be aware of. In the eyes of the court and of DUI attorneys, a victory is not always measured with a case being dismissed. Other victories include reduced jail terms or fines. Your attorney is aware of what options are available and how and when to ask for them.
At Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys, our goal has always been to help our DUI clients move past this experience and get back on track as soon as possible. We consider that goal at every step of the process. Let us help you or someone you love put your DUI behind you so you can get back to your normal life.
Call 480-378-9000 to schedule a free case review with Arizona DUI attorney Charlie Naegle today.