When it comes to DUI offenses, there are mixed opinions out there about whether or not you should invest in an attorney to help you fight your charges. Although it is possible to take on your case without the help of legal counsel, there are situations in which it may not be a good idea to do so. While all DUI cases can benefit from the help of a skilled attorney, here are three situations in which defendants should make hiring legal counsel their top priority:
First-Time Offenders
If this is your first time getting arrested, it is likely that you will have both fears about your future and questions about what to expect. Furthermore, first-time DUI offenders often don’t know what their rights are, and consequently they are at a higher risk of having them violated by others. A DUI attorney can answer any questions you may have about your future while making sure that your rights are never violated by anyone involved with your case.
Plea and Sentence Bargaining
Plea and sentence bargaining involves an attempt to get your charges or sentence reduced in exchange for a guilty plea. While plea and sentence bargains often sound like a good deal, it’s vital that you have a lawyer on your side who has a thorough understanding of DUI Law in Huntsville AL. He or she can make sure that what you’re getting is fair and that your rights remain protected at every stage of the deal.
Aggravating Circumstances
Cases involving aggravating circumstances (such as death, the presence of a minor, or the discovery of drug possession) should be handled with the help of an attorney. Dealing with aggravating circumstances makes your case even more complex, and you may find yourself facing more serious charges and a longer jail sentence. When you work with a good attorney, they may be able to negotiate on your behalf so that the aggravating circumstance does not result in harsher penalties.
Whether this is your first time being arrested or you have been through this before, taking the opportunity to work with an attorney who knows DUI Law in Huntsville AL could be key in turning your case around. If you’ve had a run-in with the law, pick up the phone and call Long Flanagan and McDonald LLC to speak with an attorney today about how you can give yourself the best chance of getting a successful outcome.
