Car Accident Attorney
Serious traffic offenses are best handled by an attorney. Though you can try to represent yourself, or risk it with an assigned public defender, it may be better to hire someone you feel comfortable with. If you were ticketed for driving while intoxicated, it’s a serious crime. Whether this is your first or you twenty-first time, legal representation can help you make the most of the situation.
First-Time Offenders
If this is the first time you’ve received a ticket for DWI, the judge may hand you a standard sentence. If your case doesn’t involve any injuries or accidents, the sentence may be less. As a non-violent first-time offender, it may not be worth it to hire an attorney. As someone without a formal education in the law, you may not be the best person to make that determination. Speaking with a lawyer and explaining your case could give you a better idea whether to hire an attorney or represent yourself on your first DWI infraction.
A More Serious Offense
If you have received a ticket for DWI in the past, possibly even multiple times, your sentence will more than likely be greater. The whole case could be made more complicated, requiring the assistance of an attorney. If you injured or killed another individual while driving impaired, or if your actions resulted in an accident or other property damage, the case will probably carry a harsher sentence as well. Having a lawyer on your side could help you keep the sentence as minimal as possible.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
When you hire an attorney to assist you in your DWI case, there are many benefits you’ll experience. For example:
- The lawyer will have the legal knowledge you don’t have, possibly yielding better results in your favor.
- A private attorney often means a shorter amount of time in court.
- You can consult a variety of attorneys and essentially choose the person or team you feel most comfortable with.
- You’ll have the one-on-one time you need to discuss details of your case and decide where to move ahead.
Getting Started
If you’ve been cited for DWI, it may be more serious than you think. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been there before, it’s important you take the proper steps in handling it so you don’t end up with the harshest punishment for it. For help in achieving the best outcome for your situation, contact a DWI attorney in Virginia and get started by explaining your case.
Thanks to Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal law and hiring a lawyer for a DWI.