Charged with DUI/DWI in North Texas? Can A Lawyer Really Help?
If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, hiring a lawyer is essential to a successful outcome in your case. A lawyer specializing in DUI/DWI defense can help with many different aspects of your case. Effective and experienced legal representation is particularly important if your case goes to trial. The Peugh Law Firm can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Dealing with the charges
When someone is pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, hiring representation as soon as possible could potentially be the difference in the outcome of their case. Having an attorney who can provide legal advice during the questioning process of the arrest can help prevent the detained individual from inadvertently incriminating themselves. Later in the process, the attorney can help gather essential evidence to use during the course of the case. If the case does go to trial, the attorney will work to refute any evidence presented by the prosecution such as field sobriety results and breathalyzer results. Through negotiations with the prosecution, lawyers are often able to get the penalties reduced for their clients.
Helping with a more serious charge
Every DUI/DWI charge is serious. Individuals who have previous DUI/DWI charges, however, could find themselves facing felony charges with the introduction of a subsequent DUI/DWI charge. Most states elevate cases to the felony level when the individual has two or more prior DUI/DWI charges, or when someone is injured or killed in the accident resulting in the DUI/DWI charge. Severe property damage during the commission of the DUI/DWI can also lead to felony charges. It is crucial that individuals facing charges like these should hire a lawyer to represent them through the entire legal process. An attorney can bring in expert witness and hire private investigators to gather favorable evidence.
Preventing convictions
The ultimate goal of any DUI/DWI lawyer is to keep their client from being convicted and receiving the maximum penalty for the charge(s). In some cases, this means taking the case all the way to trial. Most of the time, however, attorneys are able to best serve their client by negotiating some type of plea bargain with the prosecution. The plea bargain results in lower penalties, which can potentially prevent jail time for the client. These negotiations can be quite delicate as reaching a suitable compromise with the prosecutor is not always easy. An experienced and effective defense lawyer, however, is generally able to negotiate a plea bargain that is both acceptable to the prosecution and minimizes the penalties for the client.
Assisting in cases with additional charges or penalties
Several factors can increase the severity of a DUI/DWI charge and the associated penalties for these charges. If someone is injured or killed in an accident caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the charges are usually elevated to the felony level. The severity of the injuries, particularly accidents resulting in death, will also impact the seriousness of the charges. Significant property damage also increases the chance of felony charges in every state. Other charges that individuals might face in addition to the DUI/DWI charge include endangering a minor or reckless driving. Multiple charges in addition to the DUI/DWI charges require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Mounting a defense against Denton DUI charges
In criminal cases, defense lawyers work to defend their clients against whatever charges are brought and to reduce the penalties associated with these charges. There are several different ways attorneys can accomplish this, including negotiating for lower charges through the use of plea bargains and refuting the prosecution’s evidence through the use of expert witnesses and favorable evidence. The defense lawyer communicates with the prosecutor, when necessary, to discuss the charges and attempt to either negotiate the charges down or have the charges dismissed altogether.
During the initial consultation for the case, the lawyer will thoroughly review the charges and the circumstances of the case. Based on this review, the attorney will then explain the options the client has in terms of mounting a defense. If the prosecution’s evidence for a conviction is lacking, the lawyer may be able to negotiate dismissal of the charges against their client. Alternatively, the attorney may be able to reach a plea bargain that reduces the charges resulting in less severe penalties. All of these options will be discussed with the client ahead of time as the client has the final say in the direction of their case. The Peugh Law Firm will advise our clients of their options and the defendant can then decide whether they want to accept a plea bargain or go to trial.
We have the experience and expertise to help you with your DUI/DWI charge and any associated charges. Call us today to find out how we can help you!