Debunking myths about drunk driving attorneys is crucial for understanding their role and ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. Here are some common myths and the facts that debunk them:
Myth: Drunk driving attorneys only help guilty people avoid punishment.
Fact: Drunk driving attorneys advocate for their clients to ensure that legal procedures are followed correctly and that their clients receive a fair trial. Their role is to protect EVERYONE’S constitutional rights and ensure that evidence is lawfully obtained and properly handled. They work to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s case, which can result in a fairer outcome for everyone involved.
Myth: Hiring a drunk driving attorney means you can get away with drunk driving.
Fact: An attorney’s job is not to help clients “get away” with criminal behavior but to ensure that the legal process is fair and that the client’s rights are upheld. They help clients understand their legal options and may negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing based on the specifics of the case.
Myth: All drunk driving attorneys are the same.
Fact: Attorneys specialize in different areas, and drunk driving cases require specific expertise. An experienced DUI attorney understands the nuances of DUI laws, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results, and they stay updated on changes in DUI legislation. Choosing a specialized attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
Myth: You only need a drunk driving attorney if you plan to go to trial.
Fact: A DUI attorney can be valuable at all stages of the legal process, including pre-trial negotiations and plea bargaining. They can help with navigating the administrative aspects of the case, such as dealing with license suspensions and penalties, and may work to reduce charges or minimize the consequences through negotiation.
Myth: If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you won’t need an attorney.
Fact: Refusing a breathalyzer test has its own set of legal consequences, and an attorney is crucial to navigating these issues. They can help manage the fallout from refusing the test, including potential license suspension and other penalties, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Myth: Drunk driving attorneys are only necessary if you’re facing severe charges.
Fact: Even a first-time DUI offense can have significant consequences, including fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. An attorney can help mitigate these consequences and guide you through the legal complexities, regardless of whether the charges are severe or not.
Myth: If you have a good lawyer, you won’t face any penalties.
Fact: While a skilled attorney can help in reducing penalties or negotiating alternatives, they cannot guarantee that you will avoid all penalties. Their role is to work within the bounds of the law to achieve the best possible outcome given the circumstances of your case.
Understanding these facts can help clarify the important role that drunk driving attorneys play and why they are a crucial resource in navigating DUI charges.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice, if you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI, DUI, DWI all common acronyms varying by state for “Drunk Driving”) or any other crime in Massachusetts you should call an experienced and successful Drunk Driving lawyer immediately. Call Mike Now at: (508) 393-4162. I have been providing Operating Under the Influence (OUI and OUI Drugs) defense services in Massachusetts for over Thirty (30) years. I have been named a “Superior DUI Attorney” by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense, one of the “Ten best attorneys for Massachusetts”, by the American institute of DUI/DWI attorneys, a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by The National Trial Lawyers, I have earned the “Clients’ Choice Award” by AVVO, the Client Champion Platinum Award by Martindale-Hubbell and I have won over Ninety Percent (90%) of my trials.*