Why You Need an Orange County Defense Attorney for Your DUI Case

When you stand accused of driving under the influence, a good defense lawyer makes all the difference

If you're even in the unenviable position of being accused of a driving under the influence in Orange County, you're going to need to find the best Orange County defense attorney available orange county lawyer. The laws regarding driving under the influence are tough in California. They're meant to be.

Most of us have no objection to the severe punishment of people who make the choice to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially if they are clearly impaired. But many Californians have no idea regarding what, exactly, constitutes driving under the influence.

Know The Limits

Of course, most reasonable people know that drunk driving is a crime. Most also know that having more than one or two drinks and getting behind the wheel of a car will land them in jail if they are caught. What many don't know, however, is that you can be charged with DUI with as little as.08% blood alcohol content. For an average person, that's about two drinks. For smaller people, one drink can raise your blood alcohol level sufficiently to earn you a DUI.

Of course, like anyone else, we would encourage you to avoid drinking and driving altogether. It's a lot cheaper to call a cab than an Orange County defense lawyer. But if you have been accused of driving under the influence (whether you're guilty or not), you are going to want the best legal representation you can get.

With Lawyers, Knowledge Is Power

If you're not guilty, an Orange County defense lawyer will know the best ways to help you prove your innocence. Even if you are guilty, your lawyer is your best bet when it comes to maneuvering within the legal system. Even if they can't get the charges against you dropped, you stand a much better chance of facing lesser charges and a more reasonable sentence if you are represented by an attorney.

A quality Orange County defense lawyer can make all the difference in several ways:

* Plea bargaining. If you are guilty, regardless of whether you think the crime was serious or not, your best bet is often a plea bargain to a lesser charge. A good Orange County defense lawyer can often get charges lowered to something that will allow you to avoid jail time. This is perhaps your best chance to avoid serious consequences, as a DA has much more leeway during the plea bargaining process than a judge has during the sentencing process.

* The verdict. If your case goes to trial, you're going to want the absolute best Orange County defense attorney fighting for you that you can find orange county criminal lawyer. You are innocent until proven guilty, and your lawyer will do everything he can to cast reasonable doubt regarding your guilt.

* The sentencing. Even if you are found guilty, having a qualified defense lawyer on your side can make a great deal of difference regarding the severity of your sentence.

* The appeals process. If you are found guilty, you have the option of appealing your sentence. Your lawyer will advise you regarding your options and whether you have a strong enough case to win in appeals.

In short, representing yourself is typically a bad idea when accused of a DUI crime in Orange County. The majority of those that do end up with far harsher penalties than those with an Orange County defense attorney at their side.

Of course, it's a good idea to seek representation when you stand accused of any crime in Orange County. But this is especially true of those who face DUI charges. Being found guilty of a DUI carries serious consequences, including the loss of your driving privileges, stiff fines and possible jail or prison time. The last thing you want to do is stand before the judge without an Orange County defense attorney representing you.