How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With My DUI Case in Lebanon, PA?

If you face DUI charges in Lebanon, PA, you might be wondering whether you really need a private defense lawyer. Why not just go with a public defender? Or better yet, why not represent yourself? The decision of whether to work with an experienced defense attorney is an incredibly important one. These legal professionals may be able to help in all kinds of ways.

A DUI Defense Attorney Can Meet With You After Your Arrest

Most DUI defense attorneys will advise you not to speak with police officers during or immediately after your arrest. Instead, wait for an opportunity to discuss your situation with a lawyer. When you exercise your right to remain silent until speaking with a lawyer, you can avoid making self-incriminating statements that might prove problematic.

Your DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You Explore Defense Strategies

During your meetings with a DUI defense attorney, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss potential defense strategies. These strategies might involve challenging the legality of your arrest, casting doubt on the chemical test result, or attacking other elements of your alleged offense(s). Of course, you and your lawyer might mutually agree that a plea deal makes more sense.

Your DUI Lawyer Can Negotiate on Your Behalf

If you decide that a plea deal makes the most sense, your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. When you choose a plea deal, you will plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Your lawyer can negotiate for the most lenient sentence possible, perhaps helping you avoid incarceration altogether.

Your Lawyer Can Have Your Case Dismissed Before a Trial Even Happens

In certain situations, a DUI defense lawyer can have your charges dismissed before your case even reaches the trial stage. Prosecutors may drop charges and enter a “nolle prosequi” if they believe they have no chance of winning in a trial. Your defense attorney can encourage them to do this by showing them new evidence and information that would lead to your acquittal during the upcoming trial.

Your Lawyer Can Represent You During the Trial

Finally, your lawyer can represent you during a potential trial. They might offer opening arguments, present evidence, cross examine witnesses, and make closing arguments. The goal is to convince a jury that you are not guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is a very high burden of proof, and a defense attorney can convince the jury that prosecutors failed to meet this requirement.

Can a DUI Defense Attorney in Lebanon, PA Help Me?

If you are wondering whether hiring a DUI defense attorney in Lebanon, PA, is truly the right call, why not speak with one of these legal professionals to learn more? During a consultation, you can explain your situation and learn about potential defense strategies. These discussions are confidential, even if you decide not to hire the lawyer. Continue this conversation by contacting Feeman Law Offices at (717) 273-1763. You can also visit us online.