When you’ve been accused of a DUI, you must contact an attorney immediately. Amid the importance of collecting critical time-sensitive evidence that can strengthen your defense, you need representation right from the start. Here’s one of 10 Reasons why you must contact an attorney immediately after being arrested.
Previously in this series we covered: #1 This won’t go away.
At The McShane Firm, when we are retained we often fax the arresting officer to make sure they know that you are being represented by us. We have found this to be an effective method that sometimes results in the client not being charged. Why? That’s because they know our track record in defending DUI and criminal cases. If it is a shaky case, they may not bring it.
Retaining The McShane Firm also sends a clear message to the prosecution that you mean business. This may motivate them to negotiate a favorable deal early on. They know that we do our homework and they know that we will be challenging the evidence.
This is especially so in an accident case, crash scene change over time. Some of the very best evidence is evidence at the scene. If we can get there before the scene is cleaned up or changed, that is important. If we can get to the car and have it analyzed before the prosecution, that is important too. Making the prosecution go get a search warrant to retrieve the car’s “black box” will give us important insight into the case.
If there is an accident, without a doubt the insurance company will be calling. Do not give a statement without counsel. Anything you can say to the insurance company (even your insurance company) can be subpoenaed by the prosecution and used against you at trial.
Getting us involved early on is really the best thing a client can do.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI or criminal offense, please give us a call at 1-866-MCSHANE for a free case consultation.
Justin McShane
PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.
Skylar Williams says:
I definitely agree with you on this point! It’s a common tactic for police to use intimidation to get more information out of you. Attorneys know what you should and shouldn’t say so that your charges aren’t made worse. While you are waiting on an attorney, it might be a good idea to exercise your right to remain silent.
Mindy Jollie says:
Skylar, it sounds like if you are starting to feel pressure it is a good idea to ask for a lawyer. Having someone there to represent you to make sure you don’t accidentally say anything that can be used to incriminate yourself in a case. Maybe I should look into finding someone that I trust to represent me in case something comes up, I will know who to call.