Drunk driving is considered a serious charge. Those convicted can face fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. All of this can be extremely overwhelming for those being charged, but a drunk driving law attorney in Burlington VT can help clients to explore their options. Until the trial is over, nothing is set in stone. An attorney can sometimes negotiate reduced sentences, or even help clients get a lesser charge that may not force them to surrender their licenses.
An attorney can help clients to evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case against them, and look for ways to negotiate a lesser charge on their behalf. In cases where the evidence is somewhat ambiguous, like those where field sobriety tests were inconclusive, or a client’s blood alcohol level was close to the legal limit, it is sometimes possible to have the charges reduced to reckless driving, or another less serious misdemeanor offense.
In addition to upholding a client’s interests during the pre-trial plea bargaining stage, an attorney may also be able to get his client a reduced sentence. It’s a good idea to know what the associated sentence is before agreeing to any kind of plea bargain. The severity of the sentence often depends on the particulars of the case, but in the context of pre-trial negotiations it may also depend on whether or not a client has an attorney to offer legal advice. Unfortunately, prosecutors often take advantage of those who do not have the legal knowledge and experience necessary to fully understand their options.
Chances of having to go to court at all are actually often lower when the defendant has already hired a defense attorney. Prosecutors know that they have a better chance of winning their cases against a client without adequate legal defense. They will be less likely to want to spend the time on a lengthy case when they will be up against a drunk driving defense attorney, and may be likely to offer better plea agreements in the pre-trial phase.
It can be hard for those facing DUI or DWI charges to move forward, but one mistake shouldn’t destroy a life. Check out Sawyerlegal.com to find out about legal options and find a drunk driving law attorney in Burlington VT who has his clients’ best interests in mind. Learn more today.
