Were you arrested for a DWI in Austin, Texas? If so, it is imperative that you seek professional legal guidance as soon as possible in order to avoid serious DUI/DWI penalties. The consequences of a drunk driving conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Among other things, you could:

You need to protect yourself. Without delay, you should hire a Texas DWI defense lawyer who has the skills and experience needed to get you the best possible results in your case. Of course, this raises an important question: how do you choose the right law firm?

You need to find a law firm that has the resources available to build a proper legal defense on your behalf. You certainly would not want to hire any old lawyer out of a random legal directory. It is crucial that you find an advocate who fully understands the Texas criminal justice system and has prior experience in handling cases similar to your own.

How Former Prosecutors Can Help Defendants

While many people do not realize this, there are significant benefits to hiring a former prosecutor as your criminal defense lawyer. It is important to remember that our state’s criminal justice system is notoriously confusing and complex. You may assume that a legal professional could simply learn the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and then handle any case that shows up on their desk. However, the reality is far more complicated. The Texas criminal justice process is somewhat opaque. This is why having access to a former prosecutor can be so beneficial.  

A former prosecutor has experience on both sides of the law. They have seen how law enforcement agencies and state and local prosecutors actually handle their cases. This inside knowledge is something that you really cannot get without access to the other side of the system. A former prosecutor also understands what it is like to be in the mind of the person who is attempting to obtain a conviction. By fully understanding what the other side is looking for, you can better build a strong legal defense.  

You Need a Defense Lawyer Who Knows the System

Ultimately, the most important thing you can do after being arrested for drunk driving is to hire an Austin, TX DWI defense lawyer who has a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. When searching for a DWI defense attorney, one of the key things you should look for is to see whether or not a lawyer has been certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is an organization that certifies lawyers who have deep experience and who have demonstrated exceptional competence in a specific area of the law. You do not want to hire a criminal defense law firm that is focused primarily on handling estate planning cases or business law disputes. You need a legal representative who is truly committed to criminal defense.