What should we look for in a DUI Attorney?
Lawyer Franks: You need a DUI attorney who is going to honestly say to you the good and also the bad of your case. Every case has good as well as bad factors. You require a lawyer that will sit down the first day and also tell you realistically what your circumstance is. You require an attorney that's not scared to go to trial that's not hesitant to get in front of a judge but at the same time has a relationship with the district attorneys and can have a frank conversation. Frequently we can obtain a desirable end result without having to go to court though sometimes a court date is absolutely required. You need a lawyer that's not terrified to take the route most beneficial to you. And you need somebody that will certainly tell you the truthful story of where you are.
Can a person simply enter into the courtroom and speak straight to the prosecutor?
Lawyer Franks: Yes and no. There are district attorneys who refuse outright to talk with individuals who aren't stood for by a lawyer. In fact I have actually interacted with one prosecutor that would not talk to me as an attorney. You have the right to go speak with the prosecutor however there's no demand the prosecutor talks with you. Honestly do you understand the good points of your case? Do you know the negative points of your situation? Ive spoken with many individuals regarding that and I explain what they're looking at. On a regular basis they don't understand the answers. Its not since they're incompetent. Many people I deal with are highly smart and skilled at being a mechanic or a truck driver. They got involved in a little bit of difficulty. I cant fix an 18-wheeler or change an engine. Yet I'm a great DUI defense lawyer. I tell individuals I might go service my own truck or I could try driving an 18-wheeler but its going to look poor and also I'm most likely going to screw it up and its going to wind up costing me much more. So I highly suggest proceeding and getting a DUI lawyer to stand with and serve them for the duration of the process and to see that its not messed up. I make sure it costs as little as possible as well as it costs as little time as possible.
Whats the most common concerns you get?
Attorney Franks: "Am I most likely to go to jail over this?" I recognize no one intends to go to prison. However for a DUI first violation 2 days is the optimum jail sentence that can be enforced. If there is a plea deal or a guilty conviction after that we ask for time served credit. There's also the choice of participating in a victims impact panel. You go to on a weekend and sit through the panel. You need to pay for it yet you avoid spending the 48 hours in jail or you stay clear of the remaining time you would certainly be required to serve in jail that wasn't attributed. Occasionally were able to get that suspended entirely and if we get an innocent at trial or the matter is dismissed then there is no jail time.