7 Reasons Why You Need an Attorney Even if You Are Guilty of DWI in Texas

 Posted on April 29, 2020 in DWI

If you were pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI), and you know you are guilty of that crime, that does not make it an open-and-shut case. You still have the right to legal representation, and your attorney can fight for you in such a way that you may be not found guilty, the case may be dismissed, or the charges may be reduced. In fact, criminal defense attorneys are able to discover things that you—and possibly the prosecution—are unable to see about your case. As they collect, research, and study these details, they are able to undermine the prosecution’s case against you. Here are all the reasons why you should seek an attorney even if you were driving drunk:

The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

Ultimately, the most important reason you need an attorney if you are facing DWI charges is that, even if you know you are guilty of the crime, all sorts of things could have happened during the legal process. This can include the procedures followed when police officers first arrested you and collected evidence or the ways the prosecutor makes an argument against you. For example, your criminal defense attorney can assist with the following issues:

1. Demonstrating Reasonable Doubt—The burden of proof is on the prosecution to show through convincing evidence, testimony, and arguments that you are guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If there is even the slightest bit of doubt in anyone’s mind, you may be found not guilty. Your criminal defense lawyer can help instill that doubt in the prosecution’s argument.

2. Protection of Your Rights—Even if you were arrested, and even during your arrest, you still have rights as a citizen, because you are innocent until proven guilty. If any of your rights were violated or otherwise compromised by sloppy police work or other unethical behavior on the part of law enforcement, your case may be dismissed. Your lawyer can protect these rights and, if necessary, prove that your rights were violated.

3. Flaws in the Evidence—All sorts of things could have gone wrong during evidence collection, including a faulty device, a contaminated sample, improper storage, unsafe handling, and more. Your attorney will search out these procedural mistakes or flaws in the evidence itself and use them to thwart the prosecution’s case.

4. Fair Treatment—If you were mistreated in any way throughout the chain of custody, such as being abused or intimidated in some way by police officers or prosecutors, your lawyer may be able to have your case thrown out.

5. Just Punishment—Your lawyer can argue on your behalf that you do not deserve punishment as severe as a prosecutor may be asking for. This, in turn, could result in your charges being reduced or your punishment minimized, making it fairer and more just.

6. Defense Strategies—Criminal defense lawyers have all sorts of strategies and approaches to secure a not guilty verdict or have your case dismissed. They can think outside of the box and consider every element of the case, bringing their talent and skill to your case so you receive a more favorable verdict.

7. Back on the Road—If your driver’s license was suspended following your arrest, your lawyer can help get you back on the road as soon as possible by using a variety of legal means, such as a petition for an occupational driver's license.

Contact a Plano DWI Defense Lawyer

Although you might believe you are guilty of DWI, you should not automatically plead guilty to the charge. It is up to police officers and the prosecution to do their jobs properly in order to convince the jury that you are guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” There are many ways that could happen, which is why you need a skilled lawyer, regardless of your guilt. Call an experienced Fairview criminal defense attorney at 469-333-3333 for a free consultation. The savvy and experienced team at the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. will provide you with the representation you deserve.

Sources:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/09/when-does-the-right-to-an-attorney-kick-in/539898/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2006/jan/07/workandcareers.careers4
https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcrmp/rule_11