If you've recently been charged with driving under the influence, you know that the consequences can be serious: in many states, you will almost certainly have to pay a large fine and suffer a long-term blot on your record. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may also face the possibility of losing your license and going to jail for a significant period of time. But many of these consequences can be lessened or erased completely with the help of an attorney who specializes in DUI cases. Keep reading to discover just a few of the reasons why you should think about contacting a DUI lawyer if you've recently been charged.

Knowledge of Technicalities

Cases in which a defendant is charged with driving under the influence are not as cut and dry as you might expect. There are more than a few technicalities that your lawyer will thoroughly investigate during the course of a case, including the administration (and legal requirements governing) breath tests and blood draws, as well as the legality of sobriety check points. If even one of these aspects is found to be lacking, the ruling may be less severe or the case may even be thrown out entirely. Without a lawyer that specializes in DUI law, there's little to no hope that you can exploit technicalities to your advantage.

Familiarity with Local Programs

Many people who are charged with a DUI believe that their only two options are to plead guilty or put forth a plea bargain. But many cities and counties have additional options if you're a first-time offender involved in a case where no one has been injured. These options usually consist of some combination of driving school and alcohol counseling, the completion of which can earn participants a reduced fine or sentence. DUI attorneys are invaluable in that they are constantly up to date on the availability of programs and can find you one for which you're eligible. 

Familiarity with Individual Judges

What most defendants don't consider is that lawyers are not only familiar with the court system, but also with the tendencies of individual judges. In other words, they know which judges are relatively lenient in their sentencing and which aren't. This knowledge can be invaluable, as a lawyer can work to delay your case and ensure that a certain judge presides over your case so that you have a greater chance of a favorable ruling.