Every driver must be aware that driving under the influence is extremely dangerous and it jeopardizes the safety of all road users. Even though there are severe punishments for DUI, that include license suspensions, fines, as well as jail sentences, which are supposed to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, hundreds of thousands of DUI arrests occur each year in the U.S., and if you ever get charged with a DUI, you are going to need help from an expert who can explain you what you need to do in a drunk driving case. Hiring a DUI attorney may be expensive, but in most cases, it turns out to be money well spent, as they can help you keep your license and get your charges reduced, or even dismissed.

The reason you need to get a DUI lawyer is because you need someone who is familiar with DUI laws, and knows everything there is to know about plea bargains, which is very important in a DUI case. There are a couple of things you have to consider when hiring an attorney. First and foremost, you must find a lawyer who knows DUI laws in your state in details, as they can vary between states, and someone who specializes in this types of cases. Also, you should feel free to compare prices from various lawyers, since they can be quite expensive.

Your attorney will advise you whether it's wiser to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading guilty can help you get a reduced sentence, but if you believe you have been wrongfully accused, you can refuse to plead guilty and go to trial. There is the “plea bargain” option, where you agree to plead guilty or no contest and get a less severe sentence in return.

If you decide to go to trial, the prosecution will present its evidence and try and convince the jury that you are guilty and that you should get the most severe punishment possible. Your attorney will present the defence evidence and try to get the jury to decide in your favour and clear you of all charges. After the closing arguments, it's time for the jury deliberation and the verdict reading.

If you are found guilty, your driver's license will be suspended for a certain period of time, you will be ordered to attend an alcohol treatment program, pay a fine, which in most cases is very high, and you might have to go to jail, as well.

Considering the severity of the punishments, it's highly recommended that you research the DUI case and try to get an attorney who will explain each step of the procedure, make the whole process less stressful for you and provide a positive outcome of your case.