Yes.
Absolutely, unequivocally yes.
It doesn’t matter whether this is your first drunk driving charge or you know the judge by name because you’ve been to their court many times over, you stand to benefit greatly by having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner after an arrest. We explain why the answer is yes in today’s blog.
Hiring A Lawyer After First DWI
One of the most beneficial aspects of hiring a DUI lawyer after your drunk driving arrest is that they understand the process. Odds are you have no idea what to expect or what you stand to lose if this is your first arrest, so having someone in your corner who can explain everything calmly can be incredibly helpful. They can help take much of the burden off your plate.
However, we also understand that peace of mind isn’t the only thing you’re after. If you’re like most people who are arrested the first time, you probably want the arrest to go away quickly and quietly with as minimal a punishment as possible. And while a lawyer cannot guarantee any of these things, you stand a much higher likelihood of achieving some or all of these outcomes with an experienced lawyer by your side. They will be able to review all the evidence and develop a defense that paints you in the best light possible.
Moreover, they will also be able to better understand how the prosecution will likely try to make their case. You want to defend yourself in court, but you also want to go on the offensive and attack the credibility or reliability of the prosecution’s case. You probably have no idea how to best achieve this, but it’s something your lawyer does on a daily basis. Let them plan your defense and develop a strategy for countering all the expected arguments made by the prosecution.
A lawyer is also essential because they can help you avoid a worst case scenario after an arrest. Following a DWI, you stand to potentially lose your license, spend some time in jail and pay major fines to the court, and that doesn’t even account for other related issues like how the arrest could affect things like housing, schooling or your career. A lawyer can talk with the other side and either reach a plea deal so that you can agree to a lesser charge or avoid certain penalties during sentencing. You may not be able to walk away scot-free after a DWI arrest, but considering this is your first arrest, oftentimes a lawyer can work to help you avoid some of the more severe penalties during sentencing. Selling your case to the judge during trial and at sentencing can make a big difference in how sentencing plays out, and a lawyer can help cast you in a better light.
Failing to hire a lawyer and throwing away any correspondence from the court because you just hope it will all go away is a terrible strategy, and oftentimes it leads to bigger issues. So too is going to court on your own, pleading guilty and hoping that the judge will go easy on you. Instead, talk with a lawyer, learn about your options and let a professional help you navigate this tricky moment in your life. We promise you won’t be disappointed if you turn to a professional during your time in need.
If you’re still unsure, we hope that we can help you understand our value during a free strategy session. We’ll sit down with you, go over the basics of your case and talk about all your options. If you believe we’re the best fit for you, hire us and we’ll go to work building your defense. For more information, or to set up that consultation, give our team a call today at (952) 224-2277.
