Did you know that drunk driving accidents cost the US $44 billion annually?
The immense cost of this crime, both financially and in terms of human life, helps explain why the rules surrounding it are so severe.
If you’ve been charged with driving under influence and are looking at serious penalties for some misjudgment on your part, you must gather the strength to fight. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you get off with a lighter sentence.
If you’re guilty (and there’s ample evidence), there’s no point saying otherwise – better to work on getting a lighter punishment.
Let’s see how an Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer from the Rathburn Law Firm can help you minimize the impact of the charges leveled against you.
Can a DUI Lawyer Help You Get Off With a Lighter Sentence?
Yes, a DUI lawyer can help you get off with a lighter sentence or even potentially avoid a conviction altogether, depending on the circumstances of your case.
DUI lawyers have vast experience defending clients charged with drunk driving offenses. They are familiar with the legal procedures involved in DUI cases and the strategies and arguments that can be used to defend against DUI charges.
Hiring a DUI lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome, be it a dismissal of all charges, or facing a lighter sentence.
However, it’s important to note that every case is unique, and the outcome will ultimately depend on your case’s specific circumstances.
Factors Affecting Your Sentence
Factors that can affect your sentence after a DUI arrest in Indianapolis include:
Prior DUI Convictions
If you have prior DUI convictions on your record, you may face more severe penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Level
If your BAC was significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%, you might face more severe penalties than someone whose BAC was just above the legal limit.
Property Damage or Injuries
If your DUI resulted in property damage or injuries to others, you might face more severe penalties, including higher fines and longer jail time.
Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test
If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test in Indiana, the officer will arrest you and your driver’s license may be automatically suspended for one year.
Cooperation With Law Enforcement
If you cooperated with law enforcement during the arrest and investigation, the court may view you more favorably and receive a lighter sentence.
Presence of Minors in the Vehicle
If minors were in the vehicle at the time of your DUI arrest, you might face additional penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
Completion of Alcohol Education or Treatment Programs
If you completed alcohol education or treatment programs before your sentencing, it might demonstrate to the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions which may lead to a lighter sentence.
How DUI Lawyers Can Help You Get a Light Sentence
If you’re certain that the evidence against you will lead to a conviction, speak to an attorney about it, and then decide the way forward. A DUI lawyer can provide legal advice and guidance throughout the process and negotiate a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Here’s how a DUI lawyer in Indianapolis can help you.
Evaluate the Evidence
Your DUI attorney can evaluate the evidence against you to determine any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They can also determine whether any evidence was obtained illegally, which may result in excluding it from your case.
Negotiate a Plea Bargain
They can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you or agree to a plea bargain with a lighter sentence. This may involve agreeing to attend alcohol education or treatment programs, paying fines, or performing community service.
Argue for Mitigation
Your DUI lawyer can argue for mitigating circumstances that may warrant a lighter sentence, such as your cooperation with law enforcement, lack of prior convictions, or completion of alcohol education or treatment programs.
Prepare for Trial
If your case goes to trial, your attorney can provide a strong defense on your behalf and argue for a lighter sentence during the trial’s sentencing phase.
Presenting Alternative Sentencing Options
Your lawyer can present alternative sentencing options, such as community service or alcohol education programs, that may be more appropriate for your situation than a harsher sentence like jail time.
Demonstrating Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case
A DUI lawyer may be able to demonstrate that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof or that the defendant’s actions did not warrant the charges being brought against them.
Your lawyer can ensure that you are treated fairly and that the charges are appropriately tailored to the case’s specific circumstances.
This can be particularly important in cases where the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Hire an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer for the Best Legal Defense
An experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer from the Rathburn Law Firm can help you get the best outcomes in your case.
Our lawyers, at the Rathburn Law Firm, specialize in defending individuals accused of crimes, including DUI charges, and have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system and advocate for their clients.
Here are some of the ways an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you.
Assessing the Case
We’ll review the facts and evidence of your case, assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, and determine the best course of action.
Developing a Defense Strategy
Based on the assessment of your case, we’ll develop a defense strategy that may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating a plea deal, or preparing for trial.
Protecting Your Rights
We’ll protect your rights throughout the legal process, i.e., by ensuring that any evidence obtained by law enforcement was done so legally.
Representing You in Court
If your case goes to trial, let a qualified DUI lawyer in Indianapolis from our firm represent you in court, present a strong defense on your behalf, and work to get you the best possible outcome.
Reach out to us now for a free case review and to understand what we can do for you!
