Can You Represent Yourself Against a DUI Charge?
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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:
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“I did it, so I might as well plead guilty.”
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“I’ll just tell the judge what happened.”
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“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.
๐ Call {lawyer}, an experienced {city} DUI lawyer, at {tel}
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Free Consultation
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Straight Answers About Your Options
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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:
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What the elements are
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What defences apply
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What can and can’t be used as evidence
...you’re putting your future in serious jeopardy.
๐ 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:
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Defences you didn’t know existed
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Police mistakes that could get evidence thrown out
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Opportunities to negotiate a better outcome
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The chance to avoid a criminal record
๐ Call {lawyer} now at {tel} to review your case before you step into court.
๐ฌ 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:
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Fines and surcharges
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Skyrocketing insurance premiums
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Lost job opportunities
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Immigration or travel problems
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The stress of a criminal record
Many DUI lawyers offer:
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Fixed fees
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Payment plans
๐ 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:
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Review police disclosure for errors
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Identify Charter violations
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Negotiate with the Crown
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Argue to have evidence excluded
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Cross-examine witnesses
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Raise legal defences that apply to your situation
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Fight for a withdrawal, dismissal, or reduced charge
Before You Plead Guilty — Talk to {lawyer}
Even if you think pleading guilty is the only option, talk to a lawyer first. You might have a defence. You might be able to avoid a criminal conviction.
Don’t make a permanent decision without professional advice.
๐ Call {lawyer} now at {tel} and get answers that could change everything.
FAQ'S About Representing Yourself on a DUI Charge
Can I legally represent myself?
Yes. But impaired driving law is complex. A mistake could cost you your licence, your job, or your freedom.
Why is it dangerous to self-represent?
Without legal training, you may miss technical defences, make procedural mistakes, or fail to challenge unreliable evidence.
If I’m pleading guilty, do I still need a lawyer?
Yes. A lawyer can often reduce the charge or penalty, or discover issues that might justify fighting the charge.
Isn’t a lawyer too expensive?
Most offer free consultations, fixed fees, and payment plans. The cost of a conviction is usually much higher.
What if the judge is understanding?
Judges must apply the law. Good intentions won’t protect you from mandatory penalties.