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3 Things to Look for in a Good Defense Attorney

Smart Digital • August 14, 2024

If you're in need of a local criminal attorney, then it's important to make a wise choice. The outcome of criminal cases can have a significant impact on your future and the life ahead of you. In the United States, there are more than 243,378 defense attorneys currently working in the legal system, according to Zippia. With the right lawyer, you can hope to minimize the effect of your trial on your future. Continue reading to find out how to select a good defense attorney.


1. Specialized Knowledge and Experience

Law is made up of different practice areas. While there are lawyers who are generalists, most have a specialty. This means that they have a deeper knowledge base when it comes to certain areas of the law. If you have been accused of a robbery, then the right attorney for you will probably differ from the best attorney for a person involved in a DUI auto accident.


2. Familiarity With the Local Justice System

A local criminal attorney will know the judges, prosecutors, and other members of the local justice system. When an outside attorney comes into an area to try a case, they are at a disadvantage. Legal communities are known for being tight-knit. Having a local lawyer is an effective way to ensure that you'll get strong representation. Trial experience is a must for any successful criminal attorney. Be sure to ask about the outcomes of similar cases to your own.


3. A Compatible Demeanor and Personality

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your defense attorney and their team. It's important to get along with these folks as you'll be spending a lot of time with them. You'll also want to work with a lawyer who is attentive to your needs. A similar communication style is another asset to look for. Determine what aspects of the lawyer and client relationship are important to you before you meet with potential lawyers for your case. When you’re meeting with prospective defense attorneys, don't be afraid to ask questions to get the information you need to make an informed decision.


Our team is here to help you with your legal needs. Choosing a local criminal attorney who can help you build a strong case is a smart move. Contact us today at Sackett Law, P.C. to schedule an introductory consultation to learn more about our services.

4 Shocking Facts About Drunk Driving

By Smart Digital • August 14, 2024
There's nothing wrong with having a few drinks with friends or family, especially when you're at a celebration. Happy hour is also a fun time to relax after a hard work day. However, having one drink too many and getting behind the wheel of a car can change your life and that of others forever. Any criminal attorney has likely had to handle some DUI cases. Here are some shocking facts about drunk driving. 1. Driving Under the Influence Can Be Fatal It's no secret that driving while drunk has created many fatalities. According to DriversEd.com, about 30% of crash fatalities in the United States have been due to drunk drivers. When operating a vehicle, you're supposed to be as alert as possible, as you have to operate the car, watch the road, and practice safety procedures. When you're driving while drunk, something as simple as not using your turn signal or speeding can create a fatality that can often kill somebody in the opposite car who wasn't even drinking. 2. Alcohol Creates Expensive Damage A drunk driver can often cause damage to people and property. For example, they may total their car or other cars on the road. A drunk driver could also hit a pole, someone's home, or a business property. According to Fact Retriever, the damage from driving under the influence costs Americans about $52 billion annually. 3. Drivers Forget About Seat Belts When someone gets behind the wheel of a car drunk, they often forget to practice many safety procedures such as avoiding speeding. However, many drunk drivers also often forget to use their seat belts. Not wearing a seat belt upon a collision can make an accident fatal when it otherwise may not have been. A lack of a seat belt may be one reason why so many drunk driving accidents prove to be fatal. 4. Waiting Six Hours Can Help Waiting six hours can make the difference between getting home safely after a party or having to call a criminal attorney. According to Factory Retriever, it takes your body about six hours to eliminate alcohol when you've had a BAC level of .8. Get your drinks out of the way during the early part of the party, or play it safe and catch a ride with someone. A DUI can be a misdemeanor or lead to a felony. If you've been charged with a DUI offense, a criminal attorney may assist you. Our firm has handled other DUI cases, so call Sackett Law, PC today for a consultation.

4 Benefits of Working With an Experienced Criminal Attorney

By Smart Digital • August 14, 2024
Anyone could find themselves facing criminal charges for many reasons, and all of them need the help of an experienced criminal attorney. According to Statista, the nation had 1.33 million attorneys in 2022, but only some of them are experienced in criminal law. Whenever facing criminal charges, it’s best to have a criminal attorney on your side. Here are four ways an experienced criminal law attorney could help. 1. Keep You Out of Jail During the Trial The best way to defend against criminal charges is to stay out of jail. It’s easier to work with your attorney to gather evidence and build the strongest legal defense when you are out of jail instead of in it for potentially a year or two. When you attend an arraignment hearing, your attorney can argue for your release from jail by showing why you aren’t a flight risk or a danger to yourself or others and that you’ll attend the court proceedings. 2. Help Build the Strongest Legal Defense An experienced criminal attorney can develop a legal defense strategy and gather evidence with your help to support your case. Your attorney also can examine the prosecution’s case, determine its strengths and weaknesses, and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s legal case. Your attorney also can challenge any bad evidence and file to have related claims against you dismissed whenever possible. 3. Uphold Your Legal Rights It’s important to affirm your legal rights and challenge any evidence or claims that might violate them. Your attorney might challenge the probable cause, ways in which evidence against you was gathered, or how the prosecutor is conducting the case. If a prosecutor has evidence in your favor but withholds it from a grand jury or the defense team and your attorney finds out, the entire case might be thrown out of court due to violations of your legal rights. 4. Arrange a Plea Deal When Necessary When a case is strong and the outcome is likely to go against you, an experienced attorney might arrange for a plea bargain. Your attorney might show why the criminal act is an exception instead of your normal behavior and why you are unlikely to do it again. Your attorney also might argue for reduced charges or a diversion program instead of a lengthy prison sentence. Whenever facing criminal charges, you can schedule an initial consultation with an experienced attorney to review your case and discuss your options. Reach out to Sackett Law, PC today.

A Legal Guide to Drunk Driving Cases

By Smart Digital • August 14, 2024
Alcohol, like any other drug, affects your critical thinking and reduces the functions of your brain. Although enjoying a night out drinking with your friends and family is acceptable, you should be responsible and take a cab instead of driving. Moreover, driving drunk can cause devastating and life-changing accidents that will pursue you for the rest of your life. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you want to learn more about drunk driving and how common it is, read the following information. The Cases You might hear about DWI cases where a criminal attorney appeals to their client, but the evidence states that he was under alcohol while driving. Moreover, these DWI cases often lead to a fine or jail time, depending on the driver's current state and intoxication level. However, those who get fined or pulled over by the police are lucky, as most drunk drivers end up in road accidents and tragedies. Drunk driving is a complicated topic, as most drivers don't realize how intoxicated they might be after they get inside their vehicle. Drinking a couple of beers can make a difference. Be brave and talk with a criminal attorney and let them know about your drunk driving experience. The Statistics Drunk driving is one of the most deadly things you can do on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 can cause an accident, and more than 50% of drunk drivers that are victims of critical road accidents have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more. Be a responsible driver, and don't risk your life or the life of other drivers. If you have a drinking addiction, talk with a criminal lawyer and inform them about your situation. According to our team, more than 30% of all car crashes involve drunk driving. Break the cycle and start being a responsible and concerned driver. Think about your family and those you might put in danger if you drink while driving, and avoid facing jail time or getting fines for being reckless. Moreover, if you find yourself in legal trouble due to your drunk driving problem, be smart and call a criminal attorney at Sackett Law, PC who can advocate for you and help you clear your name.
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