Driving under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense, but when an accident causes injury, the legal ramifications can quickly escalate. Some wonder if calling a criminal defense attorney makes them look guilty or whether waiting to see what happens is the smart choice. Let’s discuss why hiring a DUI attorney for accidents is your best bet.
DUI with Injury: Why It’s Different
A standard DUI charge is usually a misdemeanor, but in many states, a DUI causing injury can be charged as a felony. This is especially true if the injuries are considered serious or if the driver has prior convictions.
This means harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and steeper fines. It also means mandatory license suspension, ordered restitution to victims, and a lifelong criminal record that could affect everything from housing to employment.
When to Call a DUI Attorney for Accidents
Contact the criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally within hours of the incident. Evidence can disappear quickly, such as skid marks fading, surveillance footage getting erased, and witnesses forgetting what they saw. An experienced DUI with injury lawyer can begin gathering evidence to support your version of events before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, police reports can be biased or incomplete. Officers may make assumptions or include incorrect statements in the report, but a lawyer can help you correct or challenge inaccurate information before it becomes the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
Even if you think you’re helping your case by cooperating, anything you say can (and will) be used against you in court. Depending on the circumstances, you might even be facing a combination of DUI, reckless driving, vehicular assault, or attempted manslaughter. Contact an aggressive criminal defense attorney to help minimize or fight stacked charges.
What a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do
Some hesitate to hire a DUI lawyer because they think the evidence means their case is hopeless, but that’s not true. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence, prove you weren’t at fault for the accident, negotiate with prosecutors, and minimize long-term consequences.
Many DUI cases can be resolved through plea deals, but the quality of your outcome depends on who is negotiating on your behalf. Just because you were under the influence doesn’t automatically mean you caused the crash. So, schedule a consultation with the Dornan Law Team to discuss your options.
What to Do If You’re Arrested for DUI
If you are arrested for driving under the influence, do not speak to police without a criminal defense attorney present. Also, do not apologize or admit fault to the other driver, passengers, or law enforcement. Doing so could suggest guilt and be used against you by the prosecutor.
In the meantime, try to preserve evidence: take photos, get witness names, and keep a record of what happened after the accident. Avoid discussing the incident with other people or on social media, and contact a reputable DUI attorney for accidents as soon as possible.
First-Offense DUI
First-time DUI offenders are often lulled into thinking they’ll get a slap on the wrist, but even a clean record won’t protect you from severe charges when an injury is involved. Some states impose mandatory minimum prison time for DUI with injury, regardless of prior history.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
A DUI with injury is stressful and can become overwhelming, but you are not powerless. Working with a qualified criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. Don’t wait for the court date. Contact the Dornan Law Team today for more information.
