If you've been charged with drunk driving, a DUI defense attorney will provide some essential services and support that make the entire process easier to navigate. A DUI comes with the potential for heavy fines, a revoking of your driver's license, and potential jail time. Below are a few ways a DUI defense attorney will help you through the process and potentially reduce the charges.

Handling the Paperwork

All legal issues involve paperwork that must be completed accurately and submitted to the appropriate agencies and departments. Lawyers handle this component on behalf of their DUI clients: filling out the necessary forms, filing legal motions, and generally making certain that the administrative aspects of the case are tended to. You don't need to worry about the details and red tape; instead, you can focus on building a solid DUI defense with your attorney.

Obtaining a Plea Deal & a Lighter Penalty

In the state of Connecticut, if a driver has a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they are considered intoxicated by law—this is known as a “per se” DUI law. A police offer doesn’t need to gather any more evidence to make an arrest. However, this doesn’t mean your case is closed. A lawyer is a professional negotiator, and they can still bargain with the opposing counsel to get you a lighter penalty. For example, you might be able to exchange a guilty plea for a community service commitment and avoid jail time. Or, a guilty plea might be swapped for less time behind bars. In some instances, a lawyer can challenge the breathalyzer test if they feel the machine was faulty. 

A plea bargain can serve another important function when it comes to the charges on your record. A DUI conviction may ultimately impact your ability to find a job, rent a home, or attain a loan. A lawyer can try to reduce the charges to something less damaging, such as reckless driving, which also carries punishment but less long-term stigma.

Gilbert P. Kaback, Attorney at Law, has been providing DUI defense strategies to New London County, Connecticut, for more than 20 years. He also offers legal guidance in personal injury, bankruptcy, and family law issues. Call (860) 537-0874 or visit him online to schedule an appointment today.