The importance of retaining a good DUI defense lawyer if arrested for driving under the influence is often overlooked. The magnitude of having a good DUI lawyer on your side equals that of having the best doctor trying to save your life. Of course, a drunk driving conviction is not a matter of life or death in the literal sense, but a DUI conviction or guilty plea will affect your life.
The first and most obvious effect on your life by a DUI conviction is the punishment. Depending on whether you are guilty of a misdemeanor offense or a felony DUI offense, you will pay a fine, potentially lose your license to drive, possibly serve some sort of community service, and maybe serve some time in prison. Not to mention the fact that in Michigan, the punishment escalates if you are convicted of a DUI-related offense for the second time within a certain time frame.
Then there is the stigma associated with someone found guilty of a DUI-related violation. It's not just a punishable stigma, but also an embarrassing one. Having a DUI conviction on your record will affect all aspects of your life. For example, in Michigan, law school graduates who wish to take the bar examination for admission to practice law must satisfy a character and fitness review, and a DUI-related conviction will be a factor taken into account when character and fitness to practice law is questioned.
Employment is another area that will be affected. If you have a DUI-related felony offense on your record, you will have to disclose that when asked on an employment application or during an interview. This is not only embarrassing, but it can be a major roadblock to getting a job, especially those jobs requiring transportation or delivery.
A DUI-related conviction on your record can also affect your life when it comes to family. For example, custody issues in Michigan are governed by the best interests of the child. Although there are a number of factors looked at by the courts to determine what's in the best interest of the child, you can be sure that opposing counsel is going to let the judge know that you were previously or recently found guilty of a DUI-related offense.
You want a very good DUI lawyer representing you no matter what DUI-related charge you are facing for the obvious fact that you could either actually be innocent of the DUI charges, or even if you were in-fact guilty, a good DUI attorney could have the DUI charges against you dismissed by finding flaws in police procedure and handling of the evidence, or also by finding contamination in the blood or breath tests taken. There are many factors that can affect the results of a blood or breath test. A good DUI lawyer on your side will give you your best chance at showing reasonable doubt. A good DUI lawyer will also be aware of the many potential defenses, strategies and tactics that can be used. Remember, you must be found guilty of the DUI-related offense beyond a reasonable doubt to be convicted.