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Facing a criminal charge is stressful and overwhelming. Your rights may not be clear to you, and you may not know where to begin. Fortunately, if you’re facing a pending charge, the knowledgeable DWI defense team from Bates Law Firm PLLC in Wadesboro, NC, offers quality legal counsel. Here, their lawyers address a few frequently asked questions to give you a sense of what you can expect and how best to respond.

Know Your Rights With These DWI FAQs 

1. Can I Refuse to Speak to a Police Officer?

dwi defenseAfter you’re arrested, you have the right to refuse to speak with a police officer until you hire a lawyer. In fact, criminal defense attorneys advise remaining silent until you have legal support to avoid the possibility of accidentally incriminating yourself.

2. Do I Need an Attorney if I Plan to Plead Guilty?

Even if you choose to plead guilty, a qualified criminal defense attorney can significantly improve your outcome. Meanwhile, representing yourself in court may result in the harshest possible penalties, as that’s what the prosecution will always push for.

3. What’s the Difference Between a Felony & Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor charges are deemed less serious than felonies, though they still often come with serious consequences. Legally, a felony is punishable by one or more years of prison time. When you are charged with a misdemeanor, however, you cannot face more than a year in jail. 

4. Will My Case Go to Trial?

Not all cases go to trial. However, if a verdict cannot be reached without one, then you will need to attend a court hearing. A DWI defense lawyer will work to convince the prosecution your case isn’t worth pursuing and attempt to have it dismissed.

For the vital DWI defense information you need, consult the experienced attorneys at Bates Law Firm PLLC. To get started, call the firm today at (704) 694-0195. They also specialize in car accidents, child custody, and traffic ticket cases. Whatever offense you’re facing, their full-service team will provide in-depth knowledge of the legal system and guide you through all the steps of the process. For more information about them, visit the website.

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