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What can a Houston DWI attorney do for you? If you've been charged with driving while intoxicated, you need a lawyer looking out for your best interests. First-time offenders may balk at spending additional money on legal representation, but having expertise on your side is invaluable. A DWI Lawyer May Be Able to Get Your Bail Reduced Many first-time offenders are released from jail on their own recognizance after they have sobered up and can get a ride home. However, this is not always the case. Certain circumstances may require an appearance in court where bail is set. These circumstances may include a case where another person was injured as the result of your actions or it is your second offense. The judge decides how much money you need to put up as assurance that you will return to court to face the charges against you. Some judges are particularly stern when it comes to setting bail for DWI cases. A lawyer can negotiate a fair bail amount that fits the charges and is attainable for the defendant to post. A DWI Lawyer Is Mindful of Deadlines and Paperwork If this is your first time facing a DWI charge, it's important that you meet specific deadlines when filing papers or petitioning the court. Missed deadlines or improperly filed paperwork can affect your case in a negative way. Even if you've been through the process before, you shouldn't overestimate your ability to represent yourself. A missed deadline could mean the difference between keeping your license and losing the ability to drive for several years. A DWI Lawyer Can Negotiate a Lighter Punishment DWI laws across the United States are strict, and punishment can be severe depending on the wording of the charges. A DWI lawyer works within the confines of the law to negotiate the most agreeable sentence possible. For example, if the law states that a first-time offender's punishment can be anywhere between probation and 10 years in jail, a DWI attorney would negotiate with prosecutors to obtain the lighter sentence. It's also possible if you were charged on 2 counts, the lawyer could negotiate to have the count with the harsher penalty dropped. Can you negotiate charges on yourself with the prosecutor? Yes, but it's not advisable. Without intimate knowledge of the law, it can be difficult to negotiate successfully on your behalf. Also, emotions can get the better of a person facing DWI charges. This can cloud judgment. It's best to leave negotiations in the hands of an expert. A DWI Lawyer Can Help You after a Conviction DWI convictions can affect your ability to obtain a job, find a place to live, and even get a college diploma. People make mistakes and if you've been an upstanding citizen since your DWI conviction, it's possible that a lawyer could get your conviction expunged. This process requires precise knowledge of the laws in your state and is best handled by a lawyer who has successfully achieved expungement for numerous clients. Finding a DWI Lawyer Having an experienced legal professional going to bat for you is instrumental in securing your freedom. Lawyers advertise their services online, on television and radio ads, and on billboards that line the highways. Finding a lawyer isn't hard, but finding a good lawyer takes some research. Time is critical when you're facing a DWI charge, but don't rush the hiring process. Interview between 2 and 3 lawyers who have a strong record of effectively representing their clients in a court of law. You want a Houston DWI Attorney with a winning record who will work hard to get you the positive results you desire.
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