Why You Should Work With A Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Lubbock
April 4th, 2012 by John R. TeakellThere is nothing as scary as staring at imminent jail time due to a crime you have committed. When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, it is important to work with a local attorney to represent you. A criminal defense lawyer Lubbock will be in a better position to get you a lenient sentence than an out-out-state attorney. Depending on the type of charge that the city prosecutor will be taking you to the court for, you may have to spend a significant amount of time with the attorney. Below are some reasons why you should hire a local attorney instead on an out-of-state one.
1. Familiarity with local laws
A Lubbock attorney is more familiar with the state laws than an out-of-state lawyer. While there are common laws that transcend the federal states, some laws are unique to different states. You will have a stronger case when you hire a local attorney to represent you. The lawyers’ connections with the district attorney’s office can help them know what to expect and thus better prepare for the case better.
2. Better plea bargain options
Some offenses can fall within different classifications depending on the circumstances under which they were committed. For example, your offense may be a “wobbler’ case. This means it may fall under a misdemeanor or a felony depending on how the city prosecutor approaches it. An experienced Lubbock attorney can file for a motion for your charges to be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor based on different things. The city prosecutor may also allow for a misdemeanor if the defendant agrees to carry out some activities e.g. engaging in community service for a minimum number of hours, attending specialized classes, and so on.
3. Familiarity with local jail rules
If you are caught up with a DUI over the weekend, you may have to stay in jail until the next Monday for charges to be brought against you. When you are flagged down by the police, you need to call your Lubbock attorney. Sometimes, you can avoid jail time by paying a fine on the spot. Your attorney can organize for a bail bond from the local bails companies and save you the agony of having to spend time in jail. The attorney can also prevent you from distorting your case by instructing you on what to say and what not to. The attorney’s familiarity with the local jail rules will also be a plus for you.
4. Ease of access
When you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, your attorney should easily accessible to inform you of the progress of the case and what to expect based on the direction that the case is taking. The attorney should work closely with you and explain the alternatives that you have. Sometimes, taking a plea bargain may lead to a reduced sentence than heading on with a case.
There are many advantages of working with a local criminal defense lawyer Lubbock. Hiring an experienced lawyer will help you get a favorable plea bargain.


