If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in the San Francisco area, you should strongly consider hiring a DUI attorney San Francisco to represent you throughout your case. Because the legal system is complex, trying to handle your own case can mean that you miss important deadlines or fail to file the documents necessary to mount a successful defense. An experienced DUI attorney will be able to represent you in court as well as at any DMV hearings that are held regarding your driving privileges.
Assistance in Preparing for Court
If you've never been involved in a court case, going to court for the first time can be intimidating. An experienced
DUI lawyer San Francisco will be able to prepare you for what will happen during your DUI case so that there are no surprises when your case is in progress. Because driving under the influence results in criminal charges being filed against you, it is important that you have a qualified lawyer to represent you. The representation of an experienced attorney can help you to win your case and avoid having a conviction on your criminal record.
DMV Hearing Representation
When you are charged with driving under the influence in California, there are actually two separate portions of a DUI case to contend with. One is the criminal charges that require you to appear in court. The other is the suspension of your driving privileges. When you are stopped for DUI, the arresting officer will give you a temporary license that is valid for only ten days. During this ten-day period, you must apply for a DMV hearing that will determine the future of your driving privileges. Once your hearing is scheduled, your DUI lawyer San Francisco can help you to prepare for the hearing and can represent you in front of the DMV hearing officer.
Knowledge of Complex Legal System
Navigating the legal system without the help of an experienced attorney can cause you to quickly lose your DUI case. Because the DUI laws in California are complex, you should hire a lawyer who specializes in handling DUI cases because these professionals are constantly reading legal news and attending professional education events that help them to keep abreast of current trends and changes in the area of DUI law. This knowledge of the legal system, and of DUI law in particular, can be a valuable asset in building your defense.
Negotiating Skills
It may be possible to enter an alternative dispute resolution program or have your DUI charges dropped to a lesser offense, but this is almost impossible if you are trying to represent yourself. An experienced
DUI lawyer San Francisco can work to come to a plea agreement with the prosecutor so that you may be able to retain your driving privileges or even avoid jail time.
The complexity of a DUI case and the importance of keeping your criminal record clean should be enough to motivate you to hire a qualified DUI lawyer to represent you. Once you've retained the services of an attorney, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that an experienced legal professional is by your side.
About http://www.duiattorneysbayarea.com:
The Shefman-Law Group strives to provide DUI victims with DUI attorneys in the San Francisco area that will work tirelessly to minimize the penalties associated with the respective arrest. Further, the Shefman-Law Group believes in integrity, truth, and hard work. They work to educate citizens about their constitutional rights so that they may behave accordingly should a compromising situation with a law enforcement agent occur.
