Is it worth getting a lawyer for a DWI in Texas?
If you’re charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Houston, Texas, you could face serious consequences. Even if it’s your first DWI offense, you may still spend time in jail or get your license suspended.
Therefore, it’s typically in your best interest to hire an attorney to help with the case.
Can you beat a DWI with a public defender?
In theory, you could have your DWI case thrown out with the assistance of a public defender. It’s also possible to obtain an acquittal in your DWI case using an attorney who was appointed to defend you.
However, there are downsides to using a public defender.
Many public defenders juggle dozens or hundreds of cases at the same time. Depending on your appointed defender’s workload, they might not be able to give your case the time and attention needed to obtain a favorable outcome. Often, public defenders will try to get a plea deal in order to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, and this might not be in your best interest.
Is it worth hiring a private defense lawyer for a DWI?
It’s generally beneficial to spend money on quality representation in your DWI case, and here’s why:
While it may cost you more to hire an attorney than it would to use a public defender, you can save more money in the long run by avoiding a license suspension, jail time and a large fine if you are acquitted or if the case is thrown out.
If you’re planning to hire an attorney, be sure to hire a lawyer near you who specializes in DWI/DUI defense. A DWI lawyer will have more experience arguing cases such as yours and a greater understanding of the law.
Do you need a lawyer for a first-time DWI?
You could be sent to jail or prison, even if you don’t have previous DWI charges or convictions on your record. This may be true if your blood alcohol content was above a certain threshold or if you caused bodily injury or death in a drunk driving accident. In addition to jail time, you could face an automatic license suspension if convicted of a first-offense DWI or if you refused to take a blood or breath test.
Your attorney will likely review all of the evidence against you and craft a legal defense based on that evidence. For example, if the police said that you had bloodshot eyes, an attorney could argue that it was the result of a medical condition. Or if an officer said that your vehicle was swerving, an attorney might make the case that a mechanical issue caused the car to swerve.
Other potential consequences of a DWI in Texas
Let’s say that you are exonerated by a judge or jury after a trial. While you may not face any legal consequences, the charge may still appear on your criminal record. An employer, a college or any other entity that does a background check could see that charge. An attorney could work to get it sealed or expunged to help protect your name in the future.
Getting a DWI charge dismissed and expunged can help you keep a job. If you run your own company, you may lose customers or otherwise experience damage to your brand simply by being charged with a DWI. A dismissal or acquittal may make it easier to regain the goodwill that potentially could be lost because of the charge.
You deserve the best defense lawyer in Houston
So, can you represent yourself or use a public defender to represent you?
Sure.
Should you, though?
The answer is a decided no.
When your reputation, freedom and future are at stake, hiring a specialized DWI defense attorney can make all the difference.
If you have been charged with drunk or impaired driving, do not try to beat the charge on your own. It is also generally not a good idea to trust your future to a public defender who may want a speedy resolution as opposed to the best outcome in your case. Many DUI attorneys will allow you to pay overtime if necessary to make it easier to afford their services.
The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp has experienced experts and resources available to examine any evidence related to DWI charges. To arrange for a free evaluation of your DWI case, contact us today.
