Of all the personal injury cases in the U.S. each year, nearly 52% are due to a motor vehicle accident of some type. That’s 3 million people injured on the U.S. roadways every year. The big question after an accident is, who’s at fault? In cases when one of the parties was drinking and operating a motor vehicle, the answer is clear. What is not clear for these drivers is, “Do I need a criminal defense lawyer?”
Personal injury law is simple on this front even in every state and yes, driving while drunk carries a criminal charge. It is extremely distressing to be involved in a criminal case. Here’s how to find a good criminal defense attorney.
How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Most people have never had the need to look for a lawyer. Even during a nasty divorce, many couples instead choose to fight it out on their own. But when it comes to a criminal case, hiring a good lawyer becomes almost a necessity. The danger in not having a strong defense in a criminal case is of course hefty fines, lengthy probation, and possible jail time.
Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney For This?
Drinking and driving is always a crime because of two reasons. One, the individual drank to the point of intoxication, and then went out into public. Being drunk in public is dangerous and inconsiderate because the individual is not in total control of their actions. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle doubles the crime by increasing the amount of damage that they can potentially cause to personnel or property. The risk of serious injury, death, severe damage to property is what puts this charge in the criminal category.
How Do I Know If I’ve Found the Right Lawyer For My Case?
The biggest indicator for a good lawyer to client relationship is excellent communication. The client must feel comfortable sharing everything about the incident with the lawyer. Withholding even a seemingly small detail could make a difference. This line of communication goes both ways. The client must also feel that their lawyer is passing information along in a timely way, in the preferred method of communication, and that their lawyer actually cares about the outcome of the case.
What a Criminal Lawyer Can Do For You.
Being accused of a crime can make a person experience many things, including stress, shame, confusion, and worry. It is completely normal to feel this way. The possibility of being convicted carries with it the risk of jail time, or at the least a hefty fine. Your world will be changed. However, a good criminal defense lawyer can help make sense of the process. They may also be able to ask about plea bargains on your behalf.
If you are caught drinking and driving, you are going to want to look into getting a lawyer. To find one, discretely ask friends and family for referrals. Choose a lawyer who communicates well with you. Then, trust the process, as there is only so much to be done in cases such as these.