If you've been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), your first thought might be to panic. It can feel very scary when you're facing penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. A criminal attorney can help in situations like these. An experienced lawyer is essential when dealing with law enforcement professionals and prosecutors who have different goals than you do. You want someone who'll challenge the veracity of evidence against you and work aggressively to reduce or eliminate as much collateral damage as possible from your case. Here's how a criminal attorney can help you with DUI charges.

Help You With Penalties

A good DUI attorney can help you to see if there's any way to mitigate some of the penalties you face or even get your case thrown out. Some things you should ask yourself if you're looking for ways to get your case reduced or thrown out include the following.

• What was your blood alcohol content (BAC)?

• Was there faulty equipment or negligence involved in the driving?

• What is your personal and professional history?

Help You Understand Your Rights

Having been through many similar cases, a good criminal attorney will help you to understand the legal process better. They're informed on different aspects of criminal law and can be especially well-versed in DUI facts. For instance, a good defense lawyer would know that more than two times the amount of weekday alcohol-related accidents occur on the weekends, according to Forbes. They can also help you negotiate with the prosecutor and law enforcement, challenge evidence like the lawfulness of your BAC test, or challenge the competency of eyewitnesses. Ultimately, a criminal defense lawyer can help you to know your rights and your options as they pertain to your particular case.

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe. While the penalties themselves will vary based on the circumstances of your case, the consequences may include time in jail, fines, probation, vehicle impoundment, community service, and alcohol treatment. A criminal defense lawyer can help you to understand what these consequences are likely to be in your case and how they may be mitigated. Contact Pratt & Wall today to receive the legal assistance you need.