Why Get a Lawyer?

A question many people ask is whether they should spend the money to hire an attorney to defend them or whether they should just plead guilty and accept the consequences of the sentence. My response is that any person who has the resources should hire a lawyer to defend them in any criminal or driving under the influence case.

The fact of the matter is that it is not the job of the prosecutor and judge to advocate for the client. Those accused of criminal wrongdoing are most often simply not adequately prepared to defend themselves in court or to advocate for a reduced charge or lesser sentence if convicted.

• Are you really aware of all the potential consequences that might occur if you are convicted of a crime?

• Do you know which criminal convictions can impact your ability to keep or get a job, vote, own or possess a gun, remain in this country, or drive a vehicle?

• Do you know which offenses require mandatory minimum jail time and which might result in lengthy incarceration?

• Do you know if jail time is imposed, how you might qualify for house arrest and/or work release?

• Do you know if your license is suspended, how you might be able to get a restricted license to allow you to, among other things, drive to and from work?

Might an individual without legal representation obtain the same result as if they were represented by an attorney? Possibly. However, more often than not a person without counsel will regret their decision later, after it is too late to do anything about it. As the old saying goes, “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client and a fool for a lawyer.” A qualified attorney is able to identify any potential legal defenses available for a client. A qualified attorney is able to use these potential defenses to reduce or dismiss the charge and/or to get a reduced sentence. A qualified attorney is able to guide an individual through the often confusing and intimidating criminal justice system.

Don’t be a fool. Whether you contact this office or another, contact someone who is qualified to defend you, someone who you feel comfortable with, and someone who will charge you a reasonable fee. At Nelson Law Offices, my aim is to do just that and more.