Myth vs Fact: Should I represent myself on a DWI in Greensboro?
MYTH: I blew a .08 (or higher) so I’m obviously guilty. I don’t need a lawyer and can just represent myself.
TRUTH: We get this question from some people who believe that there is no option available once the breath test registers over the legal limit of .08. That thinking ignores many of the details that our experienced Greensboro DWI attorneys look for in evaluating cases. It is important that you don't assume that you can handle your case without an attorney. In many cases, the quality of the evidence, type of testimony by the officer or even the video evidence that may have been recorded by the officer can spell the difference between a guilty and a not guilty.
Without an attorney on your side, you are simply accepting that the Assistant District Attorney will have an advantage and you are choosing to be at his or her mercy. They are working for your opponent and do not have any motivation to look out for you as a defendant! Do not believe that they will simply be kind or feel sorry for you. Their job is to be your opponent!
The fact that you are reading this means that you are not willing to simply go into court blindly and accept your “fate” without information, understanding, knowledge and a Greensboro DWI lawyer on your side.
Here is a list of many things a knowledgeable DWI attorney can do in your case.
Interview Client About Facts of Case
Educate Client about factors at play in their case
Appeal license revocation with the DMV and advocate at an appeal hearing
Petition for the return of any vehicle seized as part of the DWI arrest
Collect information and evidence against client and analyze its impact on case
Educate Client about Mitigating Factors
Provide Assistance to Client in preparing for Court Date
Interview Witnesses
Analyze the Legal Issues Such as Violations of Constitutional Rights or Suppression of Evidence
Research any applicable case law relevant to the case
Attend Court and Continue Case when Needed
Collect any Supporting Documents for Mitigating Factors to Help Reduce the Client’s Punishment Level at Sentencing
Meet with and Prepare Client for Trial and/or Sentencing Date
Argue Pre-Trial Motions If Available
Fight the charges at trial
Analyze the District Court’s Ruling in the Case and Advise the Client on Whether an Appeal to Superior Court is Recommended
Provide the Client with a Written List of All Required Actions Ordered by the Judge
Follow up with you One Year After the Case is Resolved with Instructions to Help Client Finish the Last Steps of Resolving the Case
Because each case is different, at Aberle and Wall we evaluate the specific facts, details and evidence to create a DWI custom case plan and timeline for each client. Call us for a free DWI consultation and custom case plan.