When you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI), it can have a lasting impact on many parts of your future. That impact can be difficult to avoid, especially if you fail to defend your case. However, you may have some difficulties navigating your case and building a strong defense without a lawyer.
While you are not required to hire an attorney, having one on your side can make a difference. Those differences can affect you, your family, and your financial future. Read on to learn more about what a DUI defense lawyer can do for you.
You May Face Serious Penalties for a DUI Conviction
If you simply accept a DUI conviction, you may find yourself dealing with harsh consequences under § 42-4-1301 (6), C.R.S. While one of the harshest consequences is the loss of your license, many other penalties may impact your quality of life. In fact, you may have difficulty getting your life and livelihood back on track.
As you navigate your Colorado DUI case, jail time may be a serious possibility. If you do not have a criminal defense attorney on your side, you may face a maximum of 180 days in jail for the first time. If you have other DUIs on your record, that may lead to up to a year in jail or 5 years in prison for felony charges.
You may also face costly fines if your charges are not reduced or dismissed. In fact, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the average cost for a first-time DUI in Colorado is more than $13,000. That includes costs like conviction fees, victim assistance funds, detox, auto insurance increases, and more.
A License Suspension Can Be Costly
When you are accused of committing a DUI, your license may be suspended shortly after. That license may be your key to getting to work, school, or other necessary places. Certain parts of your life can become almost impossible to maintain without it.
According to state guidelines on DUIs, if you are convicted of a DUI, you may lose your license for an average of nine months. If this is not your first conviction, you could even lose your license for a lifetime. Suspensions and revocations can leave you relying on family, friends, and public transit for your everyday needs.
With a DUI defense attorney, you can protect your license from suspension. This can help you stay on the road and maintain your driving privileges. If you are struggling to build a defense that allows you to keep your license, you may need help.
A DUI Defense Lawyer Has the Tools to Reduce or Dismiss the Charges Against You
When facing a DUI charge, you may simply not have the tools needed for a successful defense. You may already be struggling to juggle your everyday life, these complex legal topics, and any other expenses and issues that may arise with your legal case. Splitting your attention this way can make it challenging to make the right decisions.
Worse, if you do not have a DUI defense attorney, you may struggle to defend yourself against an experienced, dedicated prosecution. When you have no experience but are up against the prosecutor, navigating your case and getting successful results may be difficult. Prosecutors are ready to take on cases like yours and pursue penalties that may be difficult to avoid without a strong defense.