DUI Lawyer Services

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No one wants to experience the legal proceedings of a DUI alone. That’s why hiring a DUI lawyer to work on your behalf during this tumultuous time is essential. If this is the first time you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWAI, you might be tempted to go through the process alone without hiring an attorney, but the benefits of working with an experienced DUI lawyer far outweigh the money you think you may be saving from not hiring legal representation. From their expertise in the legal and court systems to their knowledge with plea bargains, a DUI attorney will be able to provide you with guidance, knowledge, and peace of mind.

Here at Murphy & Price, LLP, we understand the wide array of emotions that may be churning in your head. Confusion, frustration, anger, guilt, and stress are normal to experience after getting charged with driving under the influence.

That is why we believe legal representation is the best possible option for you as you make your way through the legal proceedings that follow.

Every year, about 30,000 individuals get arrested for driving under the influence. Whether you are a civilian charged with driving under the influence, or you’ve been charged with a DUI on a military base and are looking for a military DUI lawyer, an experienced lawyer can provide you with the the legal resources that are necessary for creating a solid defense for you. If you’ve been trying to find a lawyer, schedule your consultation with one at Murphy & Price, LLP today.

Why Should You Work With A DUI Lawyer?

Like aforementioned, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to work with a DUI lawyer. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may be leaning more toward handling the legal proceedings on your own. However, no matter the situation you’re in, the legal expertise of a DUI lawyer will benefit you in more than one way.

Depending on the unique circumstances of your DUI, you may feel inclined to plead guilty. And if your BAC was higher than .15 when you were stopped, to you, a non-lawyer, this may seem like the best option.

However, when you work with a DUI lawyer, they will be able to highlight and clarify legal proceedings, like law enforcement procedures and sentencing, that you may not have known about prior. The advice that an experienced attorney can offer you can affect the severity of the consequences and penalties you might be facing, and could even lessen the severity of your charge and sentence.

Working with a lawyer during the process, whether you plead guilty or not, can impact your life, legally and financially. There is no reason not to hire legal representation to walk with you through these processes.

A DUI lawyer can help your legal case in a variety of ways. Getting charged with drinking and driving in and of itself is an emotionally rattling experience, and the legal proceedings that follow can only add on the stress and uncertainty of the situation. The legal guidance of a DUI lawyer can provide you with a sense of peace as you move forward and work toward the best possible outcome.

First and foremost, working with a DUI lawyer can help you decide whether you plead guilty or not. After first receiving the drunk driving charge, chances are you felt inclined to plead guilty. You were caught driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, so you might feel like there is no other option. This is the most intuitive response to non-lawyers. However, for an experienced lawyer with a good record in court, pleading guilty isn’t the only option. A DUI attorney will know the ins and outs of the legal system in regards to drunk driving charges. They’ll have information about the police procedures, the sentencing you could be facing, and plea bargaining. Knowing these details can work in your favor.

What Is Plea Bargaining?

Plea bargaining is the act of negotiating in order to reduce the sentencing a defendant could be facing and the charges that are against them. Depending on the severity of the DUI, plea bargains oftentimes result in the best possible scenario, and they tend to be the resolution to the DUI case. Plea bargains depend on a few items, including how serious the crime committed was, how strong the evidence is and how easily it can be proven to a jury, and how likely a guilty verdict or acquittal is when it reaches trial.

Pleading guilty doesn’t often seem like it would result in the optimal outcome, and without a good DUI lawyer working on your case, it won’t. But entering into a plea bargain after pleading guilty can result in the lessening of the charge against you.

While you can’t get out of a DUI, a good DUI lawyer will have the knowledge and experience necessary to work toward the best possible outcome of your case. The information that they have, from years of working on DUI cases, may impact the consequences you could be facing.

If you are skeptical about hiring a DUI lawyer, keep in mind that having the tools to properly and effectively defend yourself in court can save you money, and potentially jail time, in the long run. Choosing to defend yourself instead of working alongside an experienced lawyer might result in even further legal complications, as well as fees, fines, and charges that could add up over time. Speak with a DUI lawyer at Murphy & Price, LLP for more information.

Sentence Bargaining

There’s no question that the emotions that you experience during the process of a DUI are exhausting. You may worry about your future, your family, and/or your education. And you might not even know if you’re facing jail time, depending on whether you plead guilty and if that results in long incarceration. That said, hiring a DUI lawyer to work on your case can provide you with the clarity you need to breathe a little easier and for you to continue through the legal proceedings. A DUI lawyer will be able to sentence bargain and work toward minimizing the consequences you could be facing, especially if you’re a second, third, or subsequent time offender. Speak with a DUI lawyer at Murphy & Price, LLP today.

What You Can Expect In Court With A Lawyer Representing You

When you get charged with driving under the influence, you most likely experience a wave of emotions, simply from getting stopped by the police. The legal proceedings that follow can be just as exhausting. The legal representation, assistance, and guidance of a DUI attorney can provide you with resources you may not have otherwise had access to, as well as peace of mind. While walking into court is never a fun experience, having the support of an experienced lawyer can allow you to breathe.

Every DUI case is different. But one thing’s for sure — having the expertise and representation of a DUI lawyer will provide you with peace of mind as you navigate the legal proceedings that follow getting charged with drunk driving.

When you work with a DUI lawyer, you can expect them to work on your case with your best interest in the forefront of their mind. They will work to negotiate a deal through plea bargaining. A DUI lawyer will work alongside you and the prosecutor to negotiate. Depending on your situation and if you plead guilty, this negotiation can result in the lessening of the charges against you, like jail time or a felony charge. Choosing not to hire a DUI lawyer can squander any chance of negotiating because many prosecutors won’t even enter into a plea bargain if a defendant doesn’t have legal representation.

In addition to plea bargaining, your DUI lawyer will work on your behalf to negotiate a prison sentence. Getting charged with a DUI can result in jail time. However, an attorney can negotiate to lessen your jail sentence in order to keep you out of the criminal justice system as much as possible. Depending on your DUI case, your lawyer could negotiate on your behalf to lessen your jail sentence and instead help you get into a substance abuse treatment facility.

What To Expect During Your First DUI/DWAI Court Hearing

No matter what, getting charged with drunk driving is an emotionally-rattling experience, but especially so if it has been your first run-in with the law. If you have never been charged with a DUI before, you most likely don’t know what to expect moving forward. And feeling unsure of the legal proceedings that will unfold adds to the overall sense of uncertainty of the legal situation. As a first-time offender, the punishments you could be facing are generally less severe than if you were a second or third-time offender.

However, each situation is different. If you got behind the wheel while intoxicated and hurt or killed someone due to reckless driving, the sentence you’ll be facing will be severe. In general, your punishment and consequences are dependent on the severity of the crime you committed.

Having a private DUI lawyer working on your case can provide you with a trusted resource as you continue through the legal process. The first part of the DUI criminal allegation process is a court hearing. It is here that you, as the defendant, will go before the judge in the County Court. Your rights will be reviewed and your charges will be read during a process called the advisement. The arraignment, which is a reading of the criminal charges against the defendant, is one of the last steps in a DUI case, even though it is often the first step depicted on television. Depending on your situation, you will make at least two more court appearances before you receive a sentence for your DUI/DWAI charge.

Before each court appearance, it’s essential to meet with your lawyer to gain clarity and review the steps of the DUI litigation. If you’re looking to hire a lawyer to work on your DUI case, don’t hesitate to contact Murphy & Price, LLP to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.

Why You Should Hire A Private DUI Attorney Over A Public Defender

When you find yourself in a situation where legal representation can be of benefit to you, you might initially think of working with a public defender. However, there are immense benefits to hiring a private attorney rather than working with a public defender. While public defenders play an incredibly important role in the justice system, there are certain situations in which a private DUI lawyer will benefit you even more.

Getting charged with drunk driving can result in a variety of emotions, including panic, confusion, and maybe even guilt. Having legal representation working on your behalf can alleviate some of the uncertainty you feel stuck in. When you are making your decision between working with a public defender or hiring a private DUI lawyer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The main difference between the two is who appoints them to a case. Public defenders are assigned to legal cases by the court itself, whereas a private lawyer is hired directly by a client of their family. There are benefits of working with both, but in a DUI/DWAI situation, a private attorney can give your case the time, energy, and attention it deserves.

Public Defenders

Like aforementioned, public defenders are appointed by the court to defendants who cannot afford the legal representation and services of a private attorney. They are employed by the government and are paid through tax dollars. This means that they get paid the same salary, no matter how many cases they are assigned to.

In order for a public defender to work on someone’s case, the defendant must show that they do not have the funds or resources available to hire private legal representation.

Public defenders are a beneficial resource to many individuals going through the justice system. They are highly dedicated to safeguarding individuals’ rights and are available for those who could not otherwise afford legal representation. However, one of the disadvantages of working with a public defender is that a defendant doesn’t have an opportunity to choose which defender they want working on their case. Because public defenders are assigned to cases by the court, a client doesn’t have the chance to choose which individual they’d like representing them.

Additionally, since they are appointed by the court, public defenders often have a heavy workload, one that limits the time they have available to meet with their clients one-on-one. Instead of working on one case at a time, they are often juggling multiple cases at the same time.

As a result, their time to work directly with each of their clients becomes restricted, and they might not be able to meet with or talk on the phone with their individual clients. More times than not, they will only have time to meet with the defendant for only a few minutes right before entering a plea in court.

Private Attorneys

Hiring a private lawyer is the other option of getting legally represented in court. The main factor that differentiates private attorneys from public defenders is that private representation must be hired and a client will have to pay for their services, whereas public defenders are appointed to a case by the court at no cost to the defendant. The legal services that a private DUI lawyer offers can come at a steep price, however, in the long run this can be a huge benefit to the outcome of the case.

Since private attorneys are hired directly by a client or the client’s family, they have more time to work with a specific case, rather than juggling multiple cases at the same time like a public defender often has to do. Private lawyers’ caseloads are much smaller than those of public defenders, allowing them to devote more time and energy into their client’s specific and unique situation. Further, they have the flexibility to be more hands-on with the individual who they are defending, and they have the time to meet one-on-one on a regular basis. In addition to in-person meetings, clients can email or call their private lawyer at any time. Private attorneys often bill their clients by the hour, and they work for the benefit of the defendant, meaning they are dedicated to the outcome of the case at hand. And, while public defenders are assigned to a case without the defendant getting the chance to choose, choosing to hire a private attorney gives individuals to chance to shop around and select the one who they want to work with.

There are advantages to working with a public defender and hiring a private attorney. However, in drunk driving cases, hiring a DUI lawyer who has a good record in court is your best option. They will work toward the best possible outcome, be accessible to have meetings and phone calls with, and have resources that can work in your interest. Contact the experienced lawyers at Murphy & Price, LLP to schedule a consultation.

Work With A DUI Attorney At Murphy & Price, LLP

Whether you are a civilian or you are on active duty, getting charged with intoxicated driving and subsequently facing jail time can be a difficult, emotional, and frustrating experience. Each and every situation is different, but when you choose to work with a trusted DUI lawyer, you are benefiting yourself, your future, your family, and your career in the long-run. The attorneys at Murphy & Price, LLP have the experience necessary to create a solid defense for you and work toward the best possible outcome in your situation. Providing you with peace of mind, a lawyer who has a successful record in court, whether that be court martial or federal court, will work alongside you as a legal resource during this hard time in your life.

If you’re trying to find a lawyer in the Colorado Springs area, do not hesitate to contact Murphy & Price, LLP. Schedule a free consultation today to meet with a lawyer.

What Is A Federal DUI?

Getting caught and charged with drunk driving is confusing and emotional process as it is. The legal proceedings and the consequences you could be facing on the state level is uncertain nonetheless. But what happens when you get charged with a federal DUI?

First of all, what is a federal DUI? It is exactly what it sounds like — a DUI that happens on government-owned land or property; they are considered a serious federal offense. If you were pulled over on federal property or land while driving a car under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be charged with a federal DUI and could be facing federal court charges.

Depending on the state you’re in, federal DUI consequences vary in severity. In many cases, federal DUIs are considered class B misdemeanors, but in some states, they could result in lifelong penalties. Having an experienced DUI lawyer working on your case can provide some clarity as you move forward in the legal process.

Federal land/property is not just government buildings. While it includes those, federal land and property also constitute national monuments, historic grounds, national parks, national forests, airports, military bases, courthouses, and any building (including the parking lot of it) that is owned by the U.S. government.

Again, the consequences of getting charged with a federal DUI depend on the state you’re in, but first or second time offenders can be fined up to $5,000, as well as have their driver’s license restricted for up to six months, if not longer. Depending on the severity of the charge — if someone was injured or lost their life due to your reckless driving on federal property; if you have been convicted of a DUI before; or if there was a child in the car — you might be facing jail time.

If you have found yourself in this tricky situation and are looking for an experienced attorney to work on your federal DUI case, contact Murphy & Price, LLP today to speak with a DUI lawyer.

DUIs on Military Bases

A drunk driving charge that happens on a military base is considered a federal crime. Whether you’re on active duty or you’re simply a civilian on a military base, a DUI charge can result in criminal penalties and federal court.

A Civilian On A Military Base

If you are a civilian, but were caught driving intoxicated on a military base, the consequences you could be facing depend on the severity of the situation. Your driver’s license could be revoked and your vehicle could take confiscated. You may also be required to take an alcohol education/treatment class.

An Active Duty Service Member On A Military Base

If you’re on active duty and have been charged with a DUI, your consequences are more severe. As a service member, you could be prosecuted by court-martial/military law, under the UCMJ. Depending on the situation, you could be facing judicial or non-judicial charges and punishments. Judicial punishments include facing court-martial in regards to your penalties. Non-judicial are penalties that are decided within the chain of command you’re in. This might also result in a dishonorable discharge. These penalties, again, are based on how severe the crime committed was.

An Active Duty Service Member Off A Military Base

You might be wondering if the drunk driving charge is the same for active duty members off a military base as it is on. The answer is no. If you are on active duty and have been charged with a DUI off of the base, the consequences you could be facing are different. It isn’t likely that you will be facing court-martial, like you would be if you had been charged while on a military base. That said, you could still have non-judicial consequences on the base since the DUI was a civilian crime. The military may also deem any corrective actions necessary, and they may also dismiss you from military service.

The Consequences You Could Face

No matter what, the consequences that come with getting a drunk driving charge are severe. And depending on the other factors involved, like whether or not this was your first offense, you had children with you the car, or if anyone was hurt or killed, the consequences can become even more severe. You could be facing months or even years in jail. Working with a DUI lawyer to plea bargain could reduce the charges against you and the sentencing you’re facing.

If you’re on active military duty and you’ve been charged with drunk driving, or you are a civilian who was caught driving under the influence on a military base, hiring a lawyer to work on your case to defend and mitigate the charges is the best possible way of reducing your sentence time. Contact Murphy & Price, LLP to speak with an attorney in regards to your situation.

Ways To Prevent A DUI

We understand — accidents happen. But when it comes to drinking and driving, it’s important to take preventative measures before it’s too late. Dealing with a driving under the influence charge can be time and money consuming.

Tips For Preventing Drinking and Driving

Select a designated driver — If you are going out for a fun night on the town or are headed to a party, be sure to select a designated driver for the evening. Having someone who will not drink and who has agreed to being responsible for driving everyone home will ensure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid getting behind the wheel yourself.
Watch out for your friends — If you see a friend, especially if it’s someone who had committed to being the designated driver, consuming a lot of alcohol, take away their keys and prevent them from getting behind the wheel. They will thank you in the long run.
Ask for a ride — When it comes down to it, it’s not worth driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You’re putting your life and the lives of others at risk, as well as risking getting charged with drunk driving. If you are unable to drive because of alcohol consumption, ask for a ride home or call an Uber or Lyft. You’ll be grateful you did.

If you have found yourself facing a DUI charge and are unsure of what steps to take moving forward, don’t hesitate to contact a DUI lawyer at Murphy & Price, LLP.

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