Driving under the Influence (DUI) comes with a number of potential penalties including fines, disqualification from driving, and potentially, imprisonment. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is a good idea to seek legal advice and representation if you want to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
Experienced DUI lawyers can give you an advantage in court as they know the legal system, and DUI lawyers in Sydney will be familiar with the local magistrates. This means they can help you prepare your defence and present it in court in a way that is most likely to help you avoid a harsh penalty. There are a number of ways a DUI lawyer can help you in court.
Legal advice
Even if you don’t hire a lawyer to represent you in court, speaking to one for advice can make a big difference to the outcome of your matter. A lawyer who is experienced in DUI charges will be able to advise you as to the possible outcomes and whether you should plead guilty or not guilty. They will also be able to advise you on the best defence and what documentation and evidence you should bring with you to court.
Get your charges withdrawn
DUI charges are often used when a person doesn’t meet the criteria for a PCA offence, which means that they can be more difficult to prove as they generally rely on more subjective evidence than other charges. If the evidence against you is not strong enough, your lawyer may be able to write to the police and request that the charges be withdrawn. This could mean that you avoid having to go to court or getting a criminal conviction altogether.
Representation in court
If the matter does proceed to court, a DUI lawyer can represent you and speak to the magistrate on your behalf. There are a number of advantages over having a DUI lawyer represent you rather than representing yourself. A DUI lawyer who is respected by local magistrates is more likely to be able to persuade them to give you a lenient sentence. DUI lawyers also have in-depth legal knowledge and experience defending DUI offences, which means that they will know what arguments are likely to carry more weight and can present a more effective defence.
Avoiding conviction
In some cases, having a DUI lawyer may be able to help you avoid conviction altogether. A section 10 dismissal or conditional release order is a finding of guilt without a conviction and an experienced criminal lawyer will know whether it is appropriate to ask for a non conviction order and can apply for one on your behalf.
If you get a section 10 dismissal or conditional release order you won’t have to face any fines or other penalties, and you will be able to keep your licence, so this option is well worth investigating if it is a possibility.
Some DUI lawyers have a better track record than others at obtaining non conviction orders for their clients, so make sure you find one that has proven experience.
Although DUI offences are not usually considered serious, the consequences of a conviction for a drink driving charge can be significant. Being disqualified from driving may mean that it is difficult for you to meet your employment or family obligations, and having a criminal conviction can affect your ability to travel and work in certain occupations. Experienced DUI lawyers in Sydney can help you get the best possible outcome from your court appearance so you can get on with your life.
Arrested for a special range driving first offence for removing a car from privet parking into a public parking area 100 metres away. Also a delivery driver with no past record. Good natured person with no criminal intention who is keen on advice on my likelihood of recording a section 10 for my offence