Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is one of the most common criminal offences in Canada. In Manitoba, the penalties for impaired driving can be quite severe. You may be looking at fines, a suspension of your driver’s licence, a criminal record, and even possible jail time. Being charged with a DUI can be overwhelming. If you’ve been charged with impaired driving, it’s important to remember that you still have legal rights as a citizen to defend your case. Hiring an experienced and qualified lawyer will help guide you through the legal process and help you build the best case in your defence.
The penalties involved with a DUI charge may depend on many factors, including if this was your first offence or if any harm resulted from your impaired driving. Consequences will also depend on the location where you were charged and a good criminal defense attorney will be knowledgeable of the law and procedures in the place where you were convicted. Every case is different and your attorney will work with you to minimize any potential fines or other consequences. Every DUI lawyer wants the best outcome for their client.
One of the main roles of a DUI attorney is to get to know your case while collecting and analyzing all evidence that can be used either against you or for you. They will then use that evidence to represent you in court. A good lawyer will be able to challenge any evidence used against you. On occasion, arresting law enforcers may make mistakes or even breach your charter rights in the process. Some evidence can be questioned or may not be admissible in court, resulting in an outright dismissal of the case.
Even if you are convicted, a key benefit to hiring a good DUI attorney is that they have a good working relationship and years of experience working with local prosecutors and judges. Your lawyer will work with the prosecutors and have the ability to negotiate within the courtroom. When a client represents themselves, the prosecutor will rarely offer any alternative options but a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain, resulting in reduced penalties or sentences such as fines or a minimized suspension of your driver’s licence.
If you’ve been charged with impaired driving, you may be worried about the cost of an attorney. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation so you can explain your specific case and get an expert opinion on your legal options. This can help you decide whether you feel it’s worthwhile to hire a lawyer. If cost is a concern, look for a lawyer who can offer a flexible payment plan to meet your needs. The cost of a lawyer will likely be worth it if you are able to minimize other fines and possibly life-altering consequences such as a criminal record.
There are many benefits to hiring a DUI lawyer if you’ve been charged with impaired driving in Manitoba. Your attorney plays a large role in helping you navigate the legal system and possibly negotiating with the prosecution in order to minimize any fines or other consequences that come with your charge. An experienced lawyer will fight for you to get the best defence and ultimate outcome for your specific case.
