Drunk driving is not just socially irresponsible, but also illegal in all states, including Hawaii. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (commonly called DUI) can put your own and other people’s lives in danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day. That’s one person every 52 minutes.
Furthermore, a DUI or DWI charge on your record can create many problems for you down the line. You may even find it difficult to get steady employment. However, in the event you get pulled up for drunk driving, not everything is lost. You can hire competent Kamuela DUI attorneys to help you minimize the penalties and punishments.
Here is why hiring professional Kamuela DUI attorneys is an excellent idea.
1. In-Depth Knowledge
Most people are under the impression that DUI laws in Hawaii are simple and that they can handle their charges without the help of experienced Kamuela DUI attorneys. However, this is anything but true. The legal system is quite complex and laws keep changing. Furthermore, attorneys often spend years studying and practicing law to get in-depth knowledge.
With zero knowledge of the law and the legal system, you are less likely to know about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. In other words, without the help of competent Kamuela DUI attorneys, you could end up paying a hefty fine, your license could be suspended by Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office (ADLRO), and you may have to face prosecution in court.
A good lawyer has intricate knowledge of the law. They can help you minimize penalties and other legal consequences. In some cases, they may be able to get the charges dropped completely. That’s why hiring capable Kamuela DUI attorneys is well worth the money.
2. Courtroom Experience
Apart from ADLRO’s license suspension, you will also face prosecution in District Court. This means you need to know the courtroom environment and the system inside-out if you won’t fight your DUI charges successfully. However, if you are handling your case on your own, that is least likely to happen as you have no courtroom experience.
Experienced Kamuela DUI attorneys often have extensive courtroom experience. They know how the local courts, police, and other systems work. They probably know the clerks, police officers, and even the judge presiding over your case. This can help turn the table in your favor. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure to find out how much courtroom experience they have.
3. Help with Paperwork
Paperwork is one of the most demanding aspects of the legal system. DUI cases involve a ton of paperwork, especially if you were arrested. Although you can fill out the forms and file the paperwork on your own, it can be very difficult without the right legal knowledge.
Unfortunately, delaying paperwork or making mistakes will most certainly work against you in court. Your Kamuela DUI attorneys can make sure to fill out the correct forms and file them within the given deadlines.
They will also check and verify all other legal documents filed by the police and the prosecution. For example, they can review the police report to see if there are any mistakes or points which may work in your favor.
4. Independent Investigation of Your Case
Professional Kamuela DUI attorneys will investigate your case further if needed. Apart from the field sobriety test, most DUIs involve witnesses and onlookers who will play a crucial role in your case. Professional Kamuela DUI attorneys know how to interview these witnesses, whether law enforcement officers or civilians.
Your lawyers will try to unearth some piece of evidence or witness testimony that can help you win. For example, if the cops behaved unreasonably when arresting you, this information can prove helpful in reducing your penalty or even getting the charges dropped. Your Kamuela DUI attorneys will also scrutinize your case thoroughly.
Having a clean record and keeping your driving license can help you lead a normal life. You will have less trouble finding a job if you have a clean record. With most employers running thorough background checks these days, hiring experienced Kamuela DUI attorneys is a must if you were charged with DUI in Hawaii.
5. Honest Evaluation of your Situation
One of the most important benefits of working with an attorney is that they will provide an honest, unbiased, and clear picture of the case against you. For many people, it can be difficult to look at the strength of the state’s case without bias. Many feel they have done nothing wrong and turn a blind eye to the strength of the state’s case.
Another issue is that many people charged with DWI rely on a circle of friends and family that only wants what is best for them. While this is a positive thing, it is also less likely that someone charged with DWI will get the unvarnished, hard truth from that person.
An attorney will talk to you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case without being concerned with putting a spin on it. It is important you have a honest picture of the case against, and your attorney could provide that.
6. Peace of Mind
It is not uncommon for people facing DWI charges to attempt to defend themselves on their own. This is often for financial reasons, as many people worry about the cost of legal counsel. However, it is helpful to look at these costs as an investment in your peace of mind.
When you hire an attorney, you can rest assured knowing that they will take every step necessary to protect your rights. Relying on experienced counsel means that you are not at risk of making an error that will put your own freedom in jeopardy. This knowledge could allow you to more successfully assist in your own defense.
7. Spending Less Time in Court
When you are represented by legal counsel, you can also save substantial time by avoiding court appearances. This is not the case when you act as your own attorney. It is important to remember that your trial is only one of the many court appearances that might be required in your case. The longer your case drags on, the more court appearances you will be required to make. If you do not have an attorney, you are required to attend each of these hearings.
Having to appear at numerous hearings could be problematic. For many people, missing countless days of work to appear at court could be difficult or even put their employment at risk. Hiring an experienced Kamuela DUI attorney could help you avoid these challenges.
Outside of your trial, your attorney appear at most of your court appearances on your behalf. This is true for everything from your arraignment to various status hearings. In addition to your trial, you must also appear if you ultimate plead guilty.
8. Obtaining Continuances
Often, last-minute emergencies and life issues could make it difficult to appear in court or meet other legal deadlines. This is a problem for anyone that is not represented by an attorney. Unrepresented persons often are without options for seeking a continuance of a hearing without first appearing in court. This is not always an issue when you have an attorney on your side.
In many cases, an attorney could make contact with the prosecution prior to a court date or legal deadline. This could result in an agreed continuance or extension that could resolve your conflict without facing the prospect of missing a court date.
9. Reminders of your Obligations
You have a duty to comply with orders of the court. This often includes attending court when required or completing certain substance abuse screenings. One of the benefits of hiring an attorney is that they could provide you with reminders about these obligations. Your attorney could help you keep up with important deadlines in your case, especially when your presence is required in court.
10. Assisting with the Return of Driving Privileges
The criminal aspect of a DWI arrest is only part of what you will have to deal with. There are also administrative consequences that also must be addressed. These consequences could cost you your right to operate a motor vehicle in Hawaii for months or even years.
You could face suspension of your driving privileges even though your criminal case has not yet been heard. Thankfully, you have an opportunity to fight back against these consequences during an administrative hearing. Success is possible in these cases, but it can be difficult to achieve without the guidance of legal counsel. Your defense attorney could not only advocate for you in criminal court, but they could also assist you with navigating the administrative appeals system as well.
Plea Bargains, Motions to Dismiss, and Trials
The Hawaii legislature has created a new “highly intoxicated” DUI category that comes with mandatory jail time and license revocation ranging from six months to three years. However, the state must prove that the defendant’s blood alcohol content (BAC) meets the standard for highly intoxicated DUI (.15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or .15 grams per 210 liters of breath).
Accurate BAC testing must be presented in court for the prosecution to win. Often, DUI lawyers discover that the police administered the tests incorrectly or they are inherently unreliable to prove the highly intoxicated standard. If you have been charged with highly intoxicated DUI in Hawaii, contact a Kamuela DUI attorney for a case evaluation.
Call One of the Most Reliable Kamuela DUI Attorney Today!
Although the idea of hiring a DUI lawyer may not sound appealing at first, it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make in your favor. If you have been arrested for DUI in Hawaii, make sure to contact a reliable and skilled attorney immediately. These four arguments will convince you of the necessity to hire a lawyer. Just make sure to do it as soon as you can.
A DUI case is not a matter to be taken lightly. Olson & Sons is a leading DUI law firm in Hawaii. We can help you fight a wide range of DUI charges. You can reach our Kamuela office at 808-201-1679 or schedule a consultation via our website.
