You
made a mistake, were caught, and are prepared to accept the punishments. But do
you know what those punishments are supposed to be, and were you aware that
without the proper legal representation the punishment may not represent the
crime in the end? Drunk driving is a serious crime and you may be feeling some
guilt for having participated, but you need to understand your personal rights
and how far a punishment goes before it exceeds its purpose. Since the time you
were pulled over the police has been collecting evidence against you in an
effort to make a case to justify an arrest. From field sobriety tests to
breathalyzers and blood tests, every sequence till your release from the
booking station has been a chance for them to collect evidence to use against
you. Now it is up to you and your lawyer to determine how to defend yourself in
court.
- Don’t assume that the police and prosecution are looking for a “fair” judgment equal to your crime. It is the job of the police and the prosecution to seek a maximum punishment.
- It is your job and your legal defense to walk out of court with a “slap on the wrist” penalty. A good defense will look for weaknesses in everything the police have entered as evidence in an effort to reduce your penalties.
- Expect to have your license suspended as part of the punishment. This is especially true if you refused a breathalyzer test. The punishments for breaking the law vary state to state, so make sure your attorney updates you on the current laws and what to expect in court.
Don’t leave the
courtroom without speaking to a lawyer
The
time leading up to your first court dates can be very stressful. If you have
not been assigned a public defender through the court it is time to start
looking for one. Since you will be required to be at court most often the
morning after your arrest, this is a good time to ask around. You will see many
lawyers milling about in the hallways and forums of the courthouse. Don’t be
afraid to take one aside and ask for some advice on where to find a good drunk
driving lawyer. They may introduce you to someone right on the spot or offer a
personal referral. A courtroom is the epicenter of the law, so this is where
you should start looking.
Start the interview
and preparation process
When
you get home after your first hearing you should go on the internet and visit
some of the websites you may have found at the courthouse or through a
referral. Read reviews and see what the public is saying about their
performance. Pick two or three possible drunk driving lawyers, call their
offices, and set up a time for free consultations which most of them should
offer. Go over the police report with them and ask them for their opinions and
expectations on the case. You want to choose one with adequate experience that
also provides you with a sense of well being and confidence. The idea is to feel
comfortable facing a judge, prosecution and the arresting officer during your
day in court.
Go
to www.legal-yogi.com today for help finding drunk driving attorneys in your
area of the country. You can discuss your case with them for free during a
consultation by calling 1-800-397-1755.
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