People arrested for operating under the influence (OUI) offenses often don’t know what to do. They may catastrophize the situation, imagining the worst outcome possible. They may then make desperate attempts to mitigate the consequences that they face.
Those well-intentioned efforts often prove to be counterproductive. Frequently, those accused of an OUI try to handle the matter on their own, possibly by quickly entering a guilty plea. Instead of pleading guilty, hiring a defense attorney might be a smarter decision.
What are some of the benefits of securing legal representation quickly after an OUI arrest?
Avoiding common mistakes while in custody
Frequently, individuals arrested for OUI offenses expect to spend a night or more in jail. During their time in state custody, they may attempt to communicate with police officers in the hopes of eliciting their sympathy and convincing them to use their professional discretion. However, an officer’s discretion usually ends when they choose to arrest an individual. At that point, the case is likely to undergo review by a prosecutor. People can end up worsening their circumstances via their attempts to communicate with police officers after an arrest. Those with legal representation can assert their right to remain silent and rely on their attorney to respond to their pending charges.
Negotiating a plea bargain
There are many ways to resolve an OUI charge. In some cases involving technical violations that did not result in injury to others, prosecutors may be open to plea bargaining. An attorney can communicate with them about the charges and get them to make concessions in return for entering a guilty plea. It may be possible to reduce the charges to something less stigmatized than an OUI offense. Even if the defendant pleads guilty to an OUI, an attorney may be able to limit the penalties imposed through plea bargaining.
Developing a robust defense
Attorneys understand what happens during criminal trials. They are familiar with the technicalities of state statutes and relevant judicial precedents. They can, therefore, help their clients develop workable defense strategies. An attorney can help a defendant establish whether a traffic stop may have been illegal. They can help develop a defense based on a medical explanation. Their support could help the defendant avoid a criminal conviction.
Remembering the right to hire an attorney is crucial for those facing OUI charges. Defendants who secure help early have the best chances of beating their charges and limiting the consequences they face.
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