Many times, people do not see what benefit a Santa Rosa DUI Lawyer can provide when you have been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.
People in this situation often take their time deciding if they want legal representation, and shopping around for an attorney that offers them the best price. Keep in mind that valuable knowledge and experience is NOT something that should be bargained for under the circumstances.
I cannot imagine a patient who needs a complex surgical procedure going to the cheapest or least expensive medical doctor? There are many benefits to having a highly skilled and experienced attorney on your side as soon as you have been arrested who will provide you with immediate benefits right from the onset of your case.
The first benefit is your DMV Hearing.
The DMV hearing is a separate hearing from your criminal court case. It is handled solely by the DMV and falls under the DMV’s laws and regulations. It needs to be scheduled within ten days of your arrest, if it is not scheduled, you lose your right to have a hearing regarding your driver’s license.
You need to determine which DMV department to call and schedule a hearing, and you need to make sure you have done it in a timely manner. Having chosen an experienced Santa Rosa DUI lawyer right off the bat, will assure that this deadline is not missed, the correct DMV department has been contacted, and that you will have legal representation at this hearing.
Our law firm contacts and schedules your DMV appointment by written FAX so there is no question that your hearing will take place timely which allows you to drive until your matter is finally resolved.
Another benefit to having a skilled and knowledgeable attorney represent you is to assure that all discovery is immediately obtained from DMV, the Police and the District Attorney’s Office so that you get a fair DMV hearing as well as criminal court hearing.
Discovery is any type of evidence that was gathered by law enforcement officers during the arrest and information the prosecutors have used to file charges against you. This includes surveillance video or audio and a police report. Body worn cameras are included for obvious reason.
Generally, these may be obtained at your first court appearance. But when you hire an attorney, the attorney can contact the prosecutor’s office prior to any court hearing and give the prosecutor a heads-up on the discovery request and any retained property that the client needs returned right away.
This quick attorney involvement allows the attorney to contact any witnesses or speak to anyone that can punch holes in the prosecutor’s case. With that added advantage, the attorney can walk into the first court appearance BETTER prepared and keep the case moving forward quickly, rather than have to continue the hearing.
Another big advantage in having an attorney represent you in Court is that the attorney can appear on your behalf. YOU don’t have to be present if it is misdemeanor charge. It is already stressful enough to having charges filed against you, but then having to take time off from work to be in court can cause you to be fired. It is an added burden to be placed in a situation for which you are not familiar.
All of this is enough to give anyone unnecessary stress. But when you have an attorney present to represent you, that stress is alleviated because in most cases the attorney can appear on your behalf. You do not need to take the day off work and put yourself in a situation that causes you more stress.
The attorney will go to court and call you with an update afterwards or send you a text or email whether is your best mode of communication.
We aim to please at Fiumara & Milligan Law. An attorney will never enter a plea of ‘no contest’ or a ‘guilty plea,’ without your knowledge or consent, so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
There are many perks to having a Santa Rosa DUI Lawyer represent you immediately after an arrest. Take steps to ensure your future is given the best possible chance and contact Fiumara and Milligan Law at 707-571-8600 or 415-492-4507 to schedule your free consultation!
Please see our dedicated DUI page, CLICK HERE.
