Even if you're a first-time offender, a criminal offense can land you behind bars or earn you a hefty fine if convicted. Luckily, the law gives you the right to use all legal means to defend yourself when accused of engaging in criminal activities. Therefore, you can use this privilege to prove your innocence, and that way, get a lesser charge or acquittal.
However, winning against the state is not easy. Furthermore, undertaking this legal battle without a good understanding of the law could blow your chance of clearing your name. For this reason, you need to hire a criminal law attorney to defend you in court. A lawyer will guarantee you a better outcome when facing the following charges:
Drug-Related Charges
Manufacturing, smuggling, or using dangerous drugs carries very serious consequences. However, the penalties you get will depend on the number of drugs you had during the arrest, the type of drug, and your previous charges for similar offenses. A large number of dangerous drugs or being a habitual criminal may attract a harsher penalty. In this case, your attorney must prepare a strong defense to oppose the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Your criminal lawyer can use various legally-acceptable tactics to set you free from the charges. For instance, they can argue that the drugs in question didn't belong to you and provide proof for it. Another strategy that would get you out of the mess is arguing that the police did not follow the required legal procedure when arresting you for the drugs. You may receive a lesser punishment or acquittal if you provide sufficient evidence to back up these issues.
Driving Under the Influence Charges
Drinking under the influence charges can damage your reputation, make you lose your job, and cause the suspension of your license. For this reason, it is paramount to consult a criminal lawyer to represent you in court when charged with DUI or DWI charges.
First, they will explain to you the seriousness of your crime and the possible penalties you may face when convicted. Then, they'll craft a strategy to help you get the best possible deal. For example, their intervention might help you get a community charge penalty instead of a jail sentence or fine, especially if you're a first-time offender.
You can win a criminal case for minor charges even without legal representation. However, the two charges above are considered grievous, and it is advisable to leave them in the hands of a criminal defense attorney. Since they've tackled similar cases in the past and have in-depth knowledge of the law, a lawyer increases your chances of receiving less severe punishment.
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