Driving under the influence, whether it be alcohol, prescription medication or illegal drugs, carries severe consequences in the state of Texas. Although the court doesn’t require someone accused of DUI to have an attorney, it’s a good idea to consult with one prior to entering a plea. Every defendant has the right to a trial by jury and there are some very good reasons to get one.
Reasonable Doubt
All six jurors have to agree a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order for the driver to be convicted. With the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Tyler, TX, the driver may have a better chance of being acquitted with a juror as opposed to having a bench trial. The reason is that the judge may rule strictly based on the law. However, jurors come from the community. They drive on the same streets and drink at the same bars. Their life experiences might make them more sympathetic to the defendant.
Witnesses
Witnesses may be a key element of the state’s case. However, depending on the length of time between the arrest and the trial, witnesses might forget what happened. They may also have other things going on that prevent them from even attending the trial. Without these witnesses, the state may not be able to prove its case to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors rarely tell defendants they aren’t able to get in touch with witnesses. Without a DUI defense lawyer in Tyler, TX, a driver may be led to believe there is a strong case against them. Far too many defendants plead guilty a waive their right to a trial.
By hiring the Law Office of Holmes & Moore P.L.L.C., a person accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could learn about their rights and the options for defending themselves against the charges. Since the penalties for a first offense include things like loss of driving privileges, fines and spending time in jail, it’s important to for anyone accused of this crime to hire the best representation they can afford.
