This is a reasonable question that many people ask us. The answer depends on a number of factors.
First, consider the effect a DUI conviction will have on your life. Will a DUI conviction affect your job or job prospects? Will it affect your important relationships, your housing situation or your ability to remain in the United States? If you have prior DUI convictions (including a wet reckless) you may be facing jail time. What impact might this have on your life? And, if your driver's license is suspended or revoked how will that impact the different areas of your life?
If your life will be greatly impacted by a DUI conviction then, you need an experienced DUI lawyer. Specifically, you need a DUI lawyer who knows all aspects of DUI defense and has a record of winning DUI cases at trial so that the prosecutor will take them seriously.
Second, many people think that if they took a chemical test of their blood or breath and the result was .08% or higher, the case cannot be reduced, dismissed or won at trial. This is absolutely not true. Phillip Crawford has won countless DUI cases at trial. For example, he recently won cases with the following test results:
- two breath of of .17%;
- a blood result of .23 with an accident
- blood results of .13%
- two breath tests with results of .17% and .18%.
Therefore, regardless of test results, your case is very possibly winnable.
Third, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. While you can have the conviction expunged once the probation period ends, this does not remove it from your record. An expungement changes the way the conviction appears on your record adding the words "conviction dismissed". It also allows you to answer "no" when potential employers ask if you have any convictions. But, if they run a background check they will still see the dismissed conviction.
Therefore, when assessing whether or not it is worth it to hire a DUI lawyer consider the effects of a DUI conviction on your life. It's always best to consult with a DUI lawyer who will give you an honest assessment of your case before making a final decision.
Contact Phillip Crawford for a free consultation at (831) 204-0773 or schedule a time to speak with him here: Schedule Consultation
