Attorney John F. O'Brien Blog

4 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Attorney for Yourself

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:21:41 GMT

Facing criminal charges can be scary. Even a misdemeanor charge can land you with hefty consequences. However, most people think they don't need a criminal attorney and can fight their case on their own. According to the Sentencing Project, two million people are behind bars in prisons or jails. An attorney can ensure you're not one of them in a few ways.

1. Knowledge

A criminal lawyer knows the ins and outs of criminal law. This includes penalties, whether charges are appropriate, and whether the court follows the law. For example, if evidence was illegally obtained, it's not admissible in court. Defendants that weren't read their Miranda rights can't have anything they said against them used in court, either. Your attorney will be able to find these loopholes and help you use them to your advantage.

2. Relationships With Prosecutors and Judges

Long before heading into the courtroom, your lawyer will know the judge and prosecutor. They'll know whether they are prone to harsher penalties and your chances of a positive outcome for your crime. This will be beneficial going into your trial.

3. Court Experience

Defendants that have never been to court before will often be confused by the process and don't realize how lengthy heading to trial can be. Court dates may be placed months apart, dragging a case out for quite some time. When you have questions about court dates and what they're for, your criminal attorney can answer them.

4. Negotiation Skills

Lawyers are professional negotiators. It's common for a prosecutor to offer a plea deal before heading to a jury trial. They may offer fines that you feel are too high or a sentence that you think is too long for the crime you're being accused of. Your lawyer will ensure that you get the best plea deal possible so you serve less time behind bars if applicable.

Your lawyer will have a unique combination of advice, experience in your type of criminal case, and a relationship with the people on the other side of the courtroom. These factors ensure that your criminal attorney can advise you about your case, plea deals, and more. We have a team of experienced lawyers ready to fight by your side to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Contact Attorney John F. O'Brien to schedule a consultation today!

4 Questions to Ask Potential DUI Lawyers

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:24:16 GMT

A DUI arrest can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. According to DrunkDrivingPrevention.com, there are over 1.5 million arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) in the United States annually. If you have been arrested for DUI, you may be scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. After such an arrest, choose a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Review the below questions you should ask during a consultation.

1. What Is Your DUI Defense Strategy?

DUI lawyers should have a plan for any case they take on. A good DUI lawyer has a solid understanding of the law and how to apply it to your specific case. These lawyers should also be familiar with the DUI laws in your state and the related court process. DUI cases often involve scientific evidence, so it's important to choose a lawyer who's comfortable with this type of evidence and knows how to challenge it.

2. Have You Handled DUI Cases Similar to Mine?

You want a DUI lawyer who has handled similar cases. DUI cases can vary based on the facts and circumstances involved. For example, a DUI case involving an accident or injury will differ from a DUI case with no accident. Such cases also vary based on the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the driver, whether a minor was in the car or not, and various other factors.

3. How Much Experience Do You Have With DUI Cases?

You should also ask DUI lawyers about their experience with these types of cases. Try to get an attorney that has handled as many of these cases as possible. DUI attorneys gain experience over time, so you want someone who has been doing this for a while.

4. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My DUI Case?

No DUI lawyer can guarantee a particular outcome for your case, but a good lawyer should be able to give you an idea of the possible verdict. DUI cases can often be resolved through plea bargains, but they can also go to trial. A DUI lawyer will help you choose the best option for your situation.

DUI convictions can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges, and expensive fines. If you have been arrested for DUI, you need an experienced DUI lawyer on your side. DUI lawyers can help you navigate the court system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Here's When to Call a DUI Attorney

Thu, 19 May 2022 13:32:18 GMT

According to The Sentencing Project, the nation's prisons and jails contain over 2 million people. Even if you're a law-abiding citizen, you can slip up one day and end up being charged with a DUI offense and facing the threat of jail. You can minimize the potential penalties by contacting a DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a DUI Defense Attorney for Advice Immediately After Arrest

The best time to contact a DUI attorney is immediately after you have been arrested. From that point on, you'll need the advice of your trusted attorney to navigate the situation. Remember, DUI offenses can come with serious consequences, so the sooner you contact a DUI defense attorney, the better. Quick action means your attorney can build an effective defense that can minimize the penalties you would have otherwise faced. They will work to reduce or drop the charges and make sure that you'll still have your license at the end of the day.

Advantages of Hiring An Experienced DUI Attorney

There are many reasons why you should hire a DUI attorney. For starters, they can help you save money by representing your rights in court. They will take the time to understand the ins and outs of your case, so they can pursue the best course of action that leads to the best outcome for you. Even if it's not possible to have your charges dropped, a competent DUI attorney can still secure a light sentence for you and help you get your license back, so you can put the case behind you and move forward with your life. Overall, hiring an experienced DUI attorney at the right time offers you more peace of mind since you have a seasoned professional helping you with your case.

Make Sure You Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney

It's important to hire an attorney that specializes in DUI defense for the best outcome. That's because you need a professional that fully understands the complexities of DUI law and has helped many other people in your situation before.

Knowing when to hire a DUI defense attorney is key to ensuring a more positive outcome for your case. If you have been arrested or are facing arrest because of a driving under the influence charge, don't hesitate to get in touch now.