Drunk driving is a common offense in Myrtle Beach. As a result, South Carolina’s DUI laws are understandably harsh. A drunk driving offense can lead to a jail sentence, a fine, or even a license suspension.
You have better chances of getting a favorable outcome in a drunk driving case if you hire an experienced lawyer from a reputable law firm, such as a drunk driving accident lawyer from Morris Law LLC, instead of representing yourself.
This article looks at why hiring a lawyer for a drunk driving case is a worthwhile investment. Keep reading to learn why it’s important to leave your DUI with the professionals.
A Lawyer Can Help You Decide Whether to Take a Plea Bargain
When the court gives you a plea bargain, you have the option to admit guilt on your charges in exchange for a lighter sentence. Many people decide to take plea bargains to avoid going through long trials. In fact, according to a study by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, about 90% to 95% of cases end up in a plea deal.
However, a plea deal is not always the best option. Once you plead guilty, your case will not go to trial. Therefore, even if you had some evidence that could prove your innocence, you forfeit the opportunity to present it by accepting a plea deal.
On the other hand, a plea deal can be a saving grace if the prosecution has overwhelming evidence to prove your guilt. Therefore, taking the plea deal can allow you to serve a lighter sentence on charges you had no chance of beating.
It can be difficult to understand where your case lies without the assistance of an attorney. A good drunk driving lawyer will use their experience to evaluate the facts of your case and advise you on whether to take the plea deal or build a defense.
A Good Lawyer Can See Through The Cracks of Your Case
While most drunk driving cases usually have concrete evidence in the form of BAC tests, an experienced lawyer could still find a fault within the case and leverage it to get you a lighter sentence.
Here are some weaknesses a drunk driving lawyer can use in your defense:
- Unlawful arrest: For instance, if the police used unjustifiable force or didn’t read your Miranda rights when arresting you.
- Inaccurate tests: If your attorney can prove that the BAC results presented as evidence are inaccurate.
Since drunk driving lawyers are experienced in handling cases like yours, they can identify errors and use them to get you a favorable judgment.
A Drunk Driving Lawyer Can Help You Avoid or Reduce a Jail Term
According to a publication by the NHTSA, about 30% of the traffic fatalities in South Carolina in 2020 were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers. As a result, drunk driving laws impose severe punishments like license suspensions on drunk drivers.
A good drunk driving attorney can help you build a robust defense and get a shorter sentence to avoid going to jail altogether. If your license is suspended, an attorney can guide you on how to get it restored sooner, so you can get back on the road.
Working With a DUI Lawyer Can Give You Peace of Mind
Dealing with a court case can be a nerve-racking situation for anyone. Drunk driving cases are especially stressful because of the harsh sentences and implications they’re associated with. If you’re representing yourself, this stress and anxiety could weaken your defense, resulting in a harsher sentence than you deserved.
Working with an experienced drunk driving attorney can reassure you that your case is in good hands, giving you peace of mind. Your lawyer will also deal with the intricate details of your case, such as gathering evidence, building the defense, and other case-related tasks that might stress you.
Attorneys Understand the Legal System
There are countless DUI laws in the state of South Carolina. Therefore, while your drunk driving charges might seem straightforward at first, you may struggle to understand some aspects of your case and the implications they’ll have on the judgment.
A good drunk driving attorney will explain how the legal system works and analyze the possible outcomes of your case. They can also use their experience to guide you on the best legal options.
To Sum It Up
Drunk driving cases in Myrtle Beach can have lifelong consequences. Therefore, if you’ve been arrested on drunk driving charges, it’s important to talk to an experienced attorney to help you create a robust defense.
A good drunk driving attorney will evaluate the facts of your case and give you the best legal options. They will also help you understand how the legal system works and get you a lighter sentence.
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