Having practiced criminal defense law for over 25 years, I have often been asked, “Why do I need an attorney if I’m not guilty?” This is better asked, if I should not be found guilty, why do I need to pay? The simple answer is, YES, you definitely need an attorney. While you have a constitutional presumption of innocence, the reality is that the system is already against you.
If you have been charged with a crime, there is already a chance that you will be found guilty. There was something that happened and there is some evidence that you committed the crime of which you are charged. For example, if you were pulled over and the officer suspected drug or alcohol use, they probably gave you field sobriety tests and requested a blood, urine or breath test. Even if you consumed no drugs or alcohol, it is possible you can be convicted. First, you were likely stopped for some traffic infraction or bad driving. Second, in almost every case the field sobriety tests (FST) will show at least some indicia of impairment. If you have refused the blood or breath test, it now becomes impossible to prove that you had not consumed alcohol or used drugs. A DUI defense attorney can use all of the above, including the blood or breath if available, to advocate for you and resolution of your case.
Criminal defense lawyers represent both innocent and guilty clients. There are also clients which are guilty, but may be found not guilty of the charges. This may be due to illegal search by the police or that the state simply cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. A finding of not guilty does not mean that the client is necessarily innocent. Other guilty clients utilize an experienced criminal defense attorney to help them through the process and assist in negotiating the best resolution to their case. This varies greatly based on the charges, crime, history of the defendant, and may include lesser charges, treatment in lieu of incarceration and discussions of probation and other alternatives.
Innocent clients are much more rare. Seldom are people charged that do not have some culpability. An experienced criminal defense attorney having history of dealing with prosecutors and judges as well as having history of representing both guilty and innocent clients, gives a much higher likelihood that an innocent client is acquitted.
If you have been charged with DUI or any other criminal offense, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later. For consultation and representation in Northern Kentucky, contact Michael Bouldin at Bouldin Law Firm by filling out the contact information, email [email protected] or call 859-581-6453 (581-MIKE).