What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?

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What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?

I do my best to stay out trouble with the law. I avoid conflicts and try to help others do so as well. But a few years ago, trouble found me. My ex was quite angry with me after our breakup. Instead of moving on and finding someone else, my ex decided to frame me for something I didn't do. My ex called the authorities and filed abuse charges against me. I explained the situation to the police but they arrested me anyway. I later found out through my criminal attorney that this was illegal. It was my ex's word against mine at the time and I shouldn't have been arrested that day. After spending months clearing my name, I decided to help other victims of unfair crimes. If you need information on criminal law, read my blog. You don't have to fight injustice alone. Good luck.

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Legal Help After A DUI: Free On Not?

2 February 2021
 Categories: , Blog

All of those arrested are provided with an opportunity to obtain legal assistance. The right to counsel is meant to give defendants a more even playing field when facing charges from the state. When it comes to a DUI charge, legal representation is vital. A lot can be on the line with a DUI conviction, and sentencing can be harsh. In some cases, those arrested might be entitled to free legal help in the form of a public defender. Read on to find out more about this way of doing things.

What is a Public Defender?

No matter where you are arrested, plenty of legal help is available. Almost everyone seeks help from private lawyers who handle criminal cases like a DUI. Many, in fact, practice DUI law nearly exclusively. Those with fewer financial resources are offered the services of a public defender. These lawyers vary in their roles. Some public defenders work part-time in that role and also carry on with private clients at the same time. Some work only as public defenders. When they do take on a case for an indigent client, they tend to help those with almost any type of criminal issue, from assault and murder to DUI charges and domestic violence. Often, public defenders are extremely busy and are burdened with an enormous caseload.

Can a Public Defender Help You?

Defendants need to show a need for public defender services by filling out a document or affidavit attesting to income and expenses. Qualification is based on income, the number of people in the family, and expenses. In some cases, defendants who are not able to have free legal representation could have their legal fees reduced considerably. As to whether or not a public defender can provide you with good legal help, that depends on a number of factors. The most important consideration is your DUI case circumstances. If any of the below issues are present, think twice about placing your future in the hands of an over-worked public defender that may not provide you with the help you need:

  • It's not your first DUI.
  • You had a blood alcohol level far above the state's legal limit of .08%.
  • A minor-aged child was in the car with you.
  • You were arrested as a result of an accident and charged with DUI.
  • You resisted arrest, fled from law enforcement, were also charged with reckless driving, or other aggravated circumstances.

Public defenders do well in many cases. If you feel you need other representation, speak to a private criminal lawyer about your case and experience the attention to your case that you deserve.