Experienced Indianapolis DUI Lawyers Offer Many Advantages to Those Charged With DUI


May 8, 2012     By Stark Law Offices, PC.

PhoneCall the Attorney at (317) 273-8888   Free Consultation

Law Firm in Indianapolis: Stark Law Offices, PC.
When an individual is arrested for driving under the influence, he/she faces serious penalties, which become even more severe with each subsequent offense. Do you really need an Indianapolis DUI lawyer if you have been arrested, and what can an attorney do to protect you from punishment?
While this offense was considered somewhat minor years ago, it no longer is today. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances is taken very seriously, and the penalties have grown more serious as well. You do need a capable Indianapolis DUI attorney to protect your rights and provide strong legal representation. Without a lawyer on your side, there is little doubt that you will face serious consequences.

Actually, the first step you should take upon being arrested for driving under the influence is to contact an experienced Indiana DUI attorney. You've likely heard the phrase "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." This is true, and without the guidance of a skilled lawyer, you could easily make a statement or answer a question in a way that proves to be to your detriment. Any concerned lawyer will advise you not to answer any questions at all without the presence of your attorney, other than to give your name and address. While you do want to cooperate with police, you do not want to give information freely.

What does an Indianapolis DUI attorney know that you do not, and why isn't it a good idea to represent yourself? Lawyers who focus in the area of DUI know how to challenge evidence brought against those who are accused. They also know how to investigate the arrest, analyze the evidence and question the motives of law enforcement, as well as results of breath and blood tests. Any time an individual is arrested for any criminal offense, he/she is considered innocent until proven guilty. Even though you may be guilty as charged, it does not automatically mean that you will pay the price in the form of losing your freedom and reputation, jail time, fines, etc. This is where your Indianapolis DUI lawyer excels at obtaining the best possible outcome on your behalf.

While you may feel that you simply cannot afford the cost of retaining a qualified Indiana DUI lawyer to fight on your behalf, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Without a lawyer, you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars in fines, possibly spend time in jail, be required to attend drunk driving school or have an ignition interlock device installed on your car and more. Your insurance premiums will increase as you will be required to carry high-risk insurance, or your provider may completely drop coverage. A black mark on your criminal record will likely affect your employment opportunities, or even prevent you from getting a student loan. Is it worth risking all of this, and your reputation or career?

Once you do decide that it is to your benefit to consult with a competent Indianapolis DUI attorney, be honest with your lawyer. The more he/she knows about your case, the better your attorney can determine whether it may be possible to have the charges against you dismissed, or if a plea bargain would be more realistic. Regardless, your lawyer's primary focus is to protect your freedom and legal rights, and to reach a positive outcome that will be the least damaging to your life.

Indianapolis DUI lawyers know that everyone makes mistakes, but also believe in second chances. You may be completely innocent of the charges against you. Perhaps you took an over-the-counter cold medicine that caused you to drive in an erratic manner, causing police to be suspicious. Those who are innocent need the support and guidance of a trusted Indianapolis DUI attorney just as much as those who are guilty, as law officials will not simply take you at your word that you were not driving under the influence of an illegal substance.

Police may have pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, or may have seized evidence without the proper warrant. Were the breath and blood tests administered to you correctly, and properly handled from there on? Were you read your Miranda Rights within the allotted time frame? There are numerous defenses that a skilled Indianapolis DUI lawyer may use on your behalf to reach a favorable outcome.

Now that you understand the advantages of hiring a compassionate Indianapolis DUI attorney, never put your future, reputation, freedom and employment at risk by taking the "I can take care of this myself" approach. It simply does not work - and will likely end up costing you far more in the long run.

AUTHOR: Gregg J. Stark

Copyright Stark Law Offices, PC.
More information about Stark Law Offices, PC.

View all articles published by Stark Law Offices, PC.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.