OWI / DWI / DUI Defense

Drunk Driving: Do You Really Need a Lawyer?

Nearly everyone asks themselves this question if they have been charged with an OWI, DWI or DUI. Yes, there are some cases where legal representation isn't absolutely necessary, but as a general rule, the old saying holds true, "a person who represents himself has a fool for a client". This statement is very true most of the time. Frequently I am able to save a client from having to appear in court the first 3 times (initial appearance, preliminary hearing, then formal arraignment), and sometimes the final disposition (if a plea bargain is worked out) is done by mail. Reasons to hire an attorney include convenience, substantial time savings, and having everything arranged and worked out. Having to go to court each time rather than having a professional handle the case is very important to most people.

Drunk driving charges can result in harsh penalties, especially when the charges involve second offense or third offense drunk driving. Having an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Attorney Peter Berger has the experience you need when facing charges for OWI/DWI/DUI. With over 30 years of legal experience and experience as a former prosecutor, Mr. Berger has insight into how the prosecution obtains guilty verdicts in drunk driving cases. The Berger Law Firm uses his insight to prepare a solid defense strategy and preserve clients' interests.

Top Reasons for Hiring a Lawyer to Handle Your Drunk Driving Case:

• Convenience and time savings
• Professional advice
• Ease with dealing with the prosecutor
• More favorable plea arrangements
• Potential reduction of drunk driving charges in "borderline" cases
• Potential dismissal of other charges

Protect Your Record and Your Driving Privileges

Through his decades of experience, attorney Berger knows how to effectively prepare a drunk driving defense case and negotiate with prosecutors. In many cases, especially first offense drunk driving, a plea bargain could include a deferred judgment which, if granted, would result in dismissal usually after one year, and also expungement/erasure of the entire record from all state and local clerk of court and public criminal records. Also, frequently companion charges, such as traffic tickets, are dismissed.

Mr. Berger uses tried and true defense such as challenging breathalyzer calibration, Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) results and roadside sobriety test procedures to weaken the prosecution's case.

Experience Counts. Call OWI Defense Trial Lawyer Berger

Certain cases must proceed to trial to obtain optimal results. At trial, attorney Berger presents persuasive arguments questioning whether the defendant was even driving, and/or whether the accused was impaired by alcohol and/or by medication or drugs. Also at trial, experts, such as a toxicologist, can testify about blood alcohol absorption and the differing levels between the time that the accused was behind the wheel and the time that the test was administered.

If you are facing drunk driving charges in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa, consult an experienced OWI defense lawyer. Contact Peter Berger at the Berger Law Firm for a free initial consultation. Call 515-288-8888 or toll free in-state at 888-282-8886.