If you or someone you know has recently been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may feel at a loss on what to do next. While every set of circumstances is unique, many of the common denominators of DUI cases allow lawyers to effectively assist individuals who have been recently charged. In fact, there are many situations in which hiring a DUI lawyer can prove to be life changing. Keep reading to discover just some of the biggest advantages of retaining the services of a DUI attorney.

Challenging an Officer Report

You can be confident that an attorney will be well versed in the correct procedure that an officer should follow during a DUI arrest. If something occurred during your arrest that was illegal or did not align with current procedure, the attorney can use this to bolster the case that the charge should be dropped. The arresting officer may have neglected to read you your rights, for example, or may not have administered the Breathalyzer test correctly. In rare instances, the officer may not be able to establish before a judge that there was probable cause to make the arrest in the first place.

Arguing for a Reduced Sentence

Without knowledge of precedence or current legal context, there is simply no way of knowing whether or not your sentence is fair. As such, you may feel as though you have no choice but to plead guilty and accept a long sentence or a list of severe penalties. On the other hand, working with a DUI attorney means you have someone who can argue for a reduced sentence based on factors such as a lack of prior record or other mitigating circumstances.

Help with Bail

In many states, drivers who have been charged multiple times with driving under the influence don't have many options available to them. Instead, a judge may automatically require that they post bail, which is an amount of money to be paid in full before they can be released. Luckily, a DUI attorney can be of assistance in this situation, too. They can guide you through the bail process, make sure that the bail is posted appropriately, and work with you so that you understand all of your legal obligations, like appearing in court on appointed dates. As such, even if it is impossible to get your charges overturned, it is still worthwhile to contact a DUI lawyer.

Contact a law firm like G.R. Johnson Law Firm for more information.