Over 1.5 million DWI/DUI cases occur every year in the United States. That number means that millions of Americans are suffering massive financial losses, changes to their lifestyles, and possibly serving jail time after driving under the influence.
When being accused of a DWI, it’s important that you understand your rights. Choosing to take on the legal system without the supervision of a lawyer can be risky.
Knowing when to hire a DWI lawyer can have massive implications on your quality of life. In fact, it can mean the difference between freedom and a long prison sentence.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of hiring a DWI attorney and where to find a skilled Austin DWI lawyer.
1) Lawyers Can Be Particularly Important for Repeat Offenders
Having an attorney can be helpful no matter how many DWI’s a person has had in the past. If you’re facing a second or third DWI, it’s particularly important to seek out legal representation.
Getting a first DWI can carry serious consequences. Those accused may be liable for fees, face license suspension, and/or jail time. The odds of facing the most serious DWI related consequences are lower as a first-time offender, though.
As a repeat offender, judges will likely have less leniency during sentencing. Those accused run a higher risk of spending months or years in prison and having their daily lives otherwise restricted.
A lawyer can be particularly helpful in minimizing the impact of repeat offender consequences. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, especially if you have a bad record.
2) A Lawyer Is Necessary If Harm Was Done
Many DWI cases come about as a result of random checkpoints or an unlucky encounter with a police officer. Those cases, while troublesome for those facing charges, pale in comparison to cases where damage occurred.
If a property was damaged or there were injuries, the burden you face is significantly higher. People may file lawsuits, and sentencing may be heavier adherent to the degree of damages.
In instances where the stakes are higher, such as those listed above, having an attorney is of paramount importance.
A DUI defense attorney can bring additional evidence. He has the skills and expertise to absolve or reduce the guilt of those accused.
This can save you time and money while increasing your chances of staying out of jail.
3) You May Be Able to Avoid a Trial
If going to trial for a DWI seems necessary but you wish to avoid it, an attorney can help.
A DUI defense attorney is specially trained in understanding the level of evidence prosecutors have against those accused. This understanding is pivotal in knowing whether or not a prosecutor may be willing to strike a deal.
Trails are cumbersome not only for the offenders but for the state too. They cost the legal system money and resources. For this reason, when a case isn’t particularly strong, a DUI defense attorney can push for a plea bargain.
A plea bargain is a deal made between the prosecution and the defense in a case. Both parties agree to mutually favorable terms to save everyone the trouble of presenting cases to a jury.
4) An Attorney Can Defend Your Innocence
Believe it or not, many people who get convicted of DWI’s were not over the legal limit. Some were not subjected to proper legal procedures. These things happen every day.
If a person gets brought in under DWI charges for failing a field sobriety test and was not administered a proper BAC level test, they may be absolved of all charges.
Unfortunately, police officers and the legal system are not likely to correct mistakes made on their own. In order to find out where their rights were improperly infringed upon, accused persons need an attorney.
Having a DWI on one’s record can affect their life not only in the present but well into the future.
In the present, they may incur costs, license issues, and jail time. In the future, an accused person may have their job possibilities restricted. They may even face housing discrimination.
If an accused person feels there’s a possibility they are innocent or that their case got handled improperly, it’s imperative that they seek legal representation.
Where to Find an Austin DWI Lawyer
From finances to freedom, getting convicted of a DWI can be hard on one’s life. Legal representation may help alleviate some of the burden.
With a lawyer, those accused of a DWI can get reduced jail sentences. They can protect the status of their driver’s license and may even get absolved of guilt.
Ultimately, the severity of a DWI case can help people dictate the importance of getting a lawyer. If you’re unsure of whether or not legal representation is necessary, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Have your case at the very least reviewed by a legal professional for advice.
When facing a DWI charge in the Austin Texas area, James Fletcher DWI Law is the Austin DWI lawyer of choice for many.
James Fletcher DWI Law has been representing those managing DWI’s in Austin for years. He helped them achieve favorable results in court and move forward with their lives.
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Austin, Texas, contact us today for a consultation on your case!