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If you are like most people, you've spent time watching legal dramas on TV. On the average TV show, the person being arrested is being charged with a serious violent offense and is facing the possibility of going to prison for the rest of their life. While these serious situations certainly can happen, most people don't realize that a lawyer can help with more common situations in which police officers get involved. These are the three most common reasons you should call a Houston criminal defense lawyer. Traffic Violations Getting pulled over for speeding or another minor driving infraction can be frustrating and expensive. But what happens if you get pulled over and you face losing your license, or when you can't afford the fine you are facing? Criminal defense lawyers can help reduce fines, keep your driving record clear, and can even represent you in a trial if needed. Although most people don't realize it, getting pulled over for a traffic violation can result in the loss of your license, your job, or even your freedom. Other people attempt to represent themselves in court with little or no success. Most attorneys will evaluate your case and let you know if they can offer assistance for little or no money up front. Additionally, if your case is one that requires court appearances, going without an attorney is almost certainly a mistake. Alcohol Infractions Most people realize that getting convicted of a drunk driving offense has serious consequences. However, what you may not know is that there are lots of other drinking offenses that an attorney can assist you with. The most common drinking offenses are public intoxication, underage drinking, and selling or giving alcohol to someone who is underage. All of these charges can have serious consequences, and many of them are time sensitive. For example, you can lose your driver's license with many of these charges, and most of them will show up on a criminal background check for years after the initial charge was filed. An attorney can help protect you from these devastating consequences by ensuring that you are given a second chance, or by making sure you have the opportunity to let the judge or jury hear your side of the story prior to anyone determining whether you are guilty or innocent. Whether it's your first offense or you've had several drinking offenses in the past, it is never too late to call an attorney and ask for help. Minor Drug Charges Most people don't realize how serious a first time drug offense can be. There are thousands of people who have been convicted and sentenced to jail time for possessing less than an ounce of an illegal substance. There are other people who are incarcerated for using a lawfully prescribed substance in a way that a judge determined to be abusive. Some jurisdictions have minimum sentencing guidelines that can result in jail time even on a first offense with no prior record. Facing a drug charge is simply too serious of a situation to try and handle all on your own. Criminal defense attorneys are skilled in ensuring that you are given a fair trial, and that the judge involved in your case hears both sides of the story. Without an attorney, it is almost certain that the only person the judge will listen to is the officer that arrested you. Without an attorney, a single drug charge can disqualify you from any job that would require a background check. If you have been charged with a minor or major drug crime, it is a good idea to immediately call a Houston criminal defense lawyer.
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