So, you've recently been pulled over and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). While this is obviously never a favorable situation to be in, it's important to realize that not all hope is lost yet. Believe it or not, with the help of an experienced and dedicated DUI defense lawyer, you may be able to have your punishment lowered or even your charges dropped. The key, however, is choosing the right lawyer, which can be made much easier by taking the time to ask some basic questions.
Will You Visit the Scene
Ideally, you'll want to work with a lawyer who is actually familiar with the area where your DUI arrest took place. If the attorney isn't familiar with the area, at the very least, you should verify that they're going to visit the scene of the supposed crime. After all, knowing the details surrounding a scene can make a huge difference in the attorney's ability to represent you. For example, that large pothole in the middle of the road could be used to explain why you may have swerved your vehicle in the officer's presence.
Will You Contest BAC Results?
A confident lawyer will always analyze and questions blood-alcohol-content (BAC) results, in addition to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). If your attorney is assuming that your BAC results are accurate, it's time to find another attorney. An experienced attorney will investigate to ensure that your BAC results were obtained legally (after your consent), accurately, and reliably.
Is There Any Chance?
If the DUI defense lawyer you're holding a consultation with immediately begins talking about a plan that involves you pleading guilty, it's probably time to look elsewhere for a defense attorney. Unless the circumstances around your case render you 100% at-fault without question, your attorney should at least attempt to file a pre-trial motion and to hold a preliminary hearing before determining whether or not your best course of action is to plead guilty.
Will You Do the Talking?
Lastly, consider finding an attorney who will do all the talking for you in court. You're not under legal obligation to answer questions in court if you can have your attorney represent you, so why put yourself under the added stress? By having your attorney speak and answer questions on your behalf, you can rest assured that you will be best represented in court and avoid saying anything that could be used against you. Contact a local attorney, like R. Patrick McPherson Attorney At Law, for more help.
Share12 October 2015
Until marijuana is legalized in every state, there will be courtrooms filled with those who are deemed criminals for possessing and using it. If you have been charged with the possession and use of marijuana, you need an attorney. Having gone through this with my son, I know that the courts are not pleased with these charges and things don't always turn out well. This blog will show you several examples of what can happen if you go to court for criminal charges without having an attorney working on your side to protect your rights and reduce the consequences as much as possible.