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Before You Decide to Go It Alone — Read This First

You’ve been charged with DUI in {city}. Maybe you’re thinking of representing yourself.

You’re not alone.

A lot of people assume:

• “I did it, so I might as well plead guilty.”

• “I’ll just tell the judge what happened.”

• “I can’t afford a lawyer, so I have no choice.”

We understand. But the truth is, representing yourself could cost you far more than you realize.

👉 Call {lawyer}, an experienced {city} DUI lawyer, at {tel}

✅ Free Consultation
✅ Straight Answers About Your Options
✅ Protect Your Rights Before It’s Too Late

DUI Law Is Complicated — And So Is Your Situation

Even if you think you're guilty, the law might say otherwise.

For example:

You walk out of a store with something in your pocket. You forgot to pay. That’s not automatically theft — because intent matters.

In DUI law, the same thing applies. There are essential elements the Crown has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Unless you know:

• What the elements are

• What defences apply

• What can and can’t be used as evidence

...you’re putting your future in serious jeopardy.

🔍 Real Example: (He Thought It Would Be Simple)

A man in Alberta tried to defend himself after a DUI charge. He figured there was no point hiring a lawyer because he blew over. In court, he didn’t know the rules of evidence, didn’t cross-examine the officer, and ended up with a criminal conviction, a one-year licence suspension, and massive insurance increases. A lawyer later told him the evidence might have been excluded due to a Charter breach — but it was too late.

The law gives you rights — but only if you know how to use them.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

When you represent yourself, you risk missing:

• Defences you didn’t know existed

• Police mistakes that could get evidence thrown out

• Opportunities to negotiate a better outcome

• The chance to avoid a criminal record

👉 Call {lawyer} now at {tel} to review your case before you step into court.

💬 What People Say: (I Almost Represented Myself — I'm Glad I Didn't)

“I was ready to just plead guilty and move on. I figured the judge would understand. But a friend told me to call a lawyer first. I’m so glad I did. My charges got reduced, I kept my licence, and I avoided a criminal record. If I had gone in alone, I’d still be dealing with the fallout.”

A good lawyer can protect you from making a life-changing mistake.

You May Think You Can’t Afford a Lawyer — But You Can’t Afford Not To

It’s true: hiring a lawyer costs money. But not hiring one can cost more:

• Fines and surcharges

• Skyrocketing insurance premiums

• Lost job opportunities

• Immigration or travel problems

• The stress of a criminal record

Many DUI lawyers offer:

• Free consultations

• Fixed fees

• Payment plans

👉 Call {lawyer} today at {tel} to get the facts. It costs nothing to ask.

What a DUI Lawyer Does That You Can’t Do Alone

A skilled impaired driving lawyer can:

• Review police disclosure for errors

• Identify Charter violations

• Negotiate with the Crown

• Argue to have evidence excluded

• Cross-examine witnesses

• Raise legal defences that apply to your situation

• Fight for a withdrawal, dismissal, or reduced charge

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FAQs About Representing Yourself on a DUI Charge

Q: Can I legally represent myself?
A: Yes. But impaired driving law is complex. A mistake could cost you your licence, your job, or your freedom.
 
Q: Why is it dangerous to self-represent?
A: Without legal training, you may miss technical defences, make procedural mistakes, or fail to challenge unreliable evidence.
 
Q: If I’m pleading guilty, do I still need a lawyer?
A: Yes. A lawyer can often reduce the charge or penalty, or discover issues that might justify fighting the charge.
 
Q: Isn’t a lawyer too expensive?
A: Most offer free consultations, fixed fees, and payment plans. The cost of a conviction is usually much higher.
 
Q: What if the judge is understanding?
A: Judges must apply the law. Good intentions won’t protect you from mandatory penalties.
 

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🔍 Still have questions about DUI or other drinking and driving charges?
Visit our DUI defence home page for more information and links to all the charges we defend.
 
📞 Ready to get a free consultation?
Call {lawyer} now at {tel} and get straight answers about your case.