It is not a secret that every other lawyer is out there as an attorney offering legal services to the general public. This includes those who may have been in practice for several months and have yet to see the inside of a courtroom or enter into negotiations with opposing counsel about settling their cases. All too often, clients come into our office after firing the previous attorney when their case was not getting any closer to being resolved! The most recent trend relates to clients looking on websites such as Craigslist and classifieds for attorneys -perhaps this was where they should have looked for an attorney who handles those free consultation meetings instead of paying hefty retainers up front and never seeing results but it goes along with you get what you pay for which rings true in many instances.
The Importance of Expertise in DWI Cases
DWI is a very grave charge with consequences that could change one’s life. If you are looking at DWI charges in Austin, the stakes are very high. From an immediate loss of driving privileges to heavy fines, community service, and even jail time, the effects of a possible DWI conviction can be drastic. An experienced Austin DWI attorney is important to have on your side through this process. More than that, it is essential.
The Significance of Specialization in DWI Cases
The DWI laws in Texas are very strict. Going through the legal system without proper representation can be entirely overwhelming. An Austin DWI lawyer brings out an in-depth knowledge of local laws plus court procedures, and then the fine details of a DWI case. Your attorney knows that each case is unrepeatable and further uniquely orders specific action to guarantee the best possible outcome.
One major reason to hire a DWI lawyer is their capacity to go through the details of your case. Is the traffic stop legal? Are the breathalyzer or blood tests accurate? Did the enforcement officers follow proper procedures? In some jurisdictions, this level of scrutiny can result in reduced charges or even case dismissal.
The Consequences of a DWI Conviction
For a first offense in Texas, a DWI can lead to possible penalties where you could be fined up to $2,000, imprisoned from 3 to 180 days and have your driver’s license suspended for up to a year. For repeat offenses, the penalties increase with the years of license suspension increasing, fines going higher, and jail time becoming more extended. Besides these legal actions that can be taken against one convicted of such an offense, there are other ways that this could impact one’s life in terms of their personal relationships or professional career. For example, it might cause job loss or strained relationships with people close to you based on having a permanent criminal record. An experienced Austin DWI attorney knows how bad these can get and does everything possible to reduce the impact.