DUI citations are more common than you might think. In some states, over 5% of drivers have at least one DUI on their record. While that percentage is closer to the national average of about 3% here in Harrisburg, PA, that still means that hundreds of thousands of PA drivers have had at least one DUI. Hiring the best DUI lawyer possible is critical to staving off the worst consequences of DUI charges.  

Those consequences can be severe. What separates those who successfully fight their case from the rest? It’s all about the quality of their representation. Even though you might think a DUI case is fairly simple, so easy that you could represent yourself, the legal system is complex. Having an experienced expert to guide you through your case and represent you is paramount to your success.  

Protect Yourself With the Best DUI Lawyer in Harrisburg, PA

What Will a Great DUI Lawyer Do for You?

A great DUI lawyer goes above and beyond the call of duty. There are many lawyers who weakly defend their DUI clients as they see the case as unwinnable. Even those who make an effort don’t often look for other ways to reduce sentencing or minimize the negative impacts of a guilty verdict. The best DUI lawyers will work tirelessly to make sure you get the best result possible, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

That’s the approach we take to law at Jameson Stone. Where others say no, or give a tepid yes, we aim to establish a real relationship with our clients. We become partners with a common objective. You’re not just another case. Speaking of your case, let’s look at how a great DUI lawyer will defend yours.

Evaluate Your Case

The first step in any DUI defense situation is to get the facts and analyze the case. We consider ourselves great listeners here, and so the first thing we will do is consult with you to hear your side of the story. Law enforcement routinely trumps up charges and loves to embellish details, so we need to hear your perspective. Rarely do both sides agree entirely on what happened. We can use that room for doubt to help you.

We’ll ask you for any evidence you might have that can support your version of the events. That might start with something as simple as the receipt from the bar or restaurant you left prior to being pulled over. Location data from your phone can be useful as well. Dashcam footage or videos taken while in the car can also prove helpful. With a clear picture of the situation, we can begin to build a case.

Gather Documents

Building a case requires extensive documentation. However, each document acts as a puzzle piece, helping us put together a more favorable picture of the events that transpired. For instance, if an officer stopped you and mentioned swerving as a probable cause, vehicular maintenance records could point to an issue that may have caused your uneven driving. Your previous record of traffic violations (or the lack thereof) will also come into question, so we try to get ahead of the prosecution.  

Every little piece counts. Text messages or phone logs can validate whereabouts and activity. Your medical history could factor into the case. We will go over all of the documents we need from you and scour through them to find opportunities to sway the court in your favor. In addition, we’ll file appropriate court documents as needed to keep your case moving until the day of your trial.

Represent You in Court

Where the best DUI lawyers truly shine is in the courtroom. Nowhere is it more important to have excellent representation than when you’re in a court of law. Representing yourself is a surefire way to face jail time and heavy fines. Can you convince a court that your DUI should be reduced to a misdemeanor, rather than a felony? Do you know the differences between severe impairment, high impairment, and general impairment? What are sections 3802 and 3803?

These are the questions your DUI lawyer knows the answers to. They’ll make a coherent argument for why your case ought to be treated as a lesser one, versus the maximum that prosecutors often target. Even when a not-guilty verdict is unlikely, having a lawyer defend you makes it more likely that you’ll receive a much more modest sentence.

Aim for the Best Sentence Possible

How does a lawyer work to reduce your sentence? It’s important to understand that a jury only determines whether or not you were guilty of a crime, but the judge renders the final sentence. Judges will hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defense regarding sentencing. Therefore, your lawyer can have a tremendous influence on your final sentence. Pennsylvania law places a lot of emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punitive discipline for DUI cases, which benefits you.  

For instance, in lieu of prison time, your lawyer will advocate for community service or probation, perhaps complemented by driver safety classes. These options allow you to retain your freedom. When it comes to fines, the law gives the judge considerable leeway. Your financial situation can be used to justify lower amounts, especially if you have children who need support or a tenuous employment situation.  

Why Is It Important to Hire the Best DUI Lawyer You Can?

Clearly, a lawyer can help your case immensely. However, some people still believe that hiring a DUI lawyer isn’t worth the cost. They may think they can win the case on their own, or might just believe that they can get away with hiring the most affordable lawyer available. But when you examine the consequences of a failed DUI case, the truth is the exact opposite.

Financial Consequences of a DUI

A general impairment, first-time offense will only cost you $300 in fines, which is fairly reasonable. But go over 0.10% and your fines can reach up to $5,000 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders can be set back as much as $10,000! And that doesn’t even consider the other financial impacts of a DUI.

Potential Employment Problems

You can easily lose your job over a DUI charge. Prison time can force your employer to find someone else to fill your position, and can even disqualify you from certain jobs. Even if you don’t go to jail, a temporary license suspension, which is standard on repeat offenses, can mean you can’t get to work at all. Especially in more rural areas like Harrisburg, PA, being able to drive is essential to stay employed.

Your Criminal Record

Your DUI stays with you for years. Even a misdemeanor charge will stick to your record, which can have detrimental effects on your insurance rates, your ability to get a job, and more. Next time you’re stopped for speeding or rolling through a stop sign, expect to have much harsher treatment from the court because you have a DUI on your record.

Protect Yourself With the Best

A DUI can be a life-changing experience. We aim to make sure that it isn’t. If you’ve been cited for a DUI, call Jameson Stone Law right away to schedule an appointment so that we can review your case.