If you have been charged with a criminal offense or DUI/DWAI, you may be asking yourself, "should I hire an attorney or can I handle this on my own?"
If you want to avoid possible long-term problems and consequences, the short answer is a resounding "yes." When you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney, it is usually money well spent. The key is finding the attorney who is right for you.
It is not uncommon for people to think that one way to cut the financial consequences of criminal charges is to represent themselves, particularly on a first offense DUI/DWAI. The vast majority of people that do, however, soon wish they hadn't. By then, it's too late to change the final result of the case cannot be changed.
It's always better to leave some things up to trained professionals and legal representation is one of those things. Trying to understand the law and how it applies to your particular situation can be a very daunting task. It takes an experienced criminal defense attorney to review the facts of the case and apply the proper law.
If you decide to retain an attorney, it is important to retain a criminal defense attorney who practices in the county in which you are charged. They are far better equipped to handle the internal procedures of the courthouse and are familiar with the local district attorneys. They also know how each judge prefers to handle his or her courtroom. While these things may not seem important to you right now, they can be very important to the overall outcome of your case.
Most criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This allows the attorney an opportunity to assess your case and to provide you with some insight as to what you can expect. It also offers you the opportunity to get a sense of whether the attorney is the right match for you. Remember, when you hire an attorney, you are creating a relationship that could last for several months. You want someone that you trust, that you are comfortable with and that you know has your best interests in mind. You want an attorney who is not only experienced, but also will keep you informed about your case every step of the way.
We are committed to providing quality legal representation and individualized attention. At Joneson Michael, LLC we respect our clients. It is our policy to give all of our clients straight forward advice and up to date information. We are experienced, professional, and courteous.
To determine if we are the right attorney for you, contact Joneson & Michael, LLC, for a free initial consultation.
