If you have been charged with a crime, it is almost always a good idea to hire an attorney. Attempting to defend yourself could be a costly proposition, particularly if you are facing a jail sentence or an expensive fine – or if a conviction could have an impact on your employment possibilities. The best way to protect yourself and your future is to make sure that your criminal case is handled by an expert.
More than Books
While you can learn about court procedures and about the charges you face by looking in a book or researching your case online, you may not have access to all of the materials you need to successfully defend yourself. The actual case law is only part of the process; a good criminal attorney will have a network of contacts in place and thoroughly understand how things are done in your locality. Since you may not have ever been in a courtroom and are only defending yourself on a single case, you simply won’t be able to absorb all of the information you need to for a successful defense, and it would be very risky to try.
Dealing with a Prosecutor
While you may believe that your case falls into one specific type of crime, the prosecutor may think otherwise. Without an extensive background in the law and how things are done in your local courthouse, you will be at a distinct disadvantage. A prosecutor has a lot of power in court, and may be able to file for a variety of charges – some much more severe than others. If you approach the prosecutor in the wrong way you risk facing the most severe DUI charges and penalties.
How can an Attorney Help Me?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney to defend you in court allows you to have an expert on your side. Your attorney will already know the ins and outs of your local legal system and may have a relationship with the prosecutor already. He or she will understand all of the charges you are facing and know what to ask for – and what they can expect to get – when dealing with a local prosecutor. Your DUI attorney can work to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor, and possibly reduce or eliminate your charges.
The aftermath of a DUI charge is an extremely stressful time, and hiring an expert to speak on your behalf can help reduce the fear and anxiety you may be having about going to court. Defendants who take the time and spend the money to hire an attorney can be seen as more serious about addressing the charges. An unknowledgeable person representing himself may do more harm than good by alienating the court and failing to realize the possible long-term ramifications of a DUI charge.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you don’t have to go it alone. Protect yourself and your future by hiring on of our Colorado DUI expert attorneys for your case. The legal team at Dahl, Fischer and Wilks is committed to helping you when you need us most.