Truck drivers spend hundreds of hours of their time out on the open road. Unlike a typical workplace, however, there are unique dangers and regulations that must be taken into consideration. Life is unpredictable, and situations arise that could put truckers in danger of losing their jobs. Whether you are a trucker and have found yourself in legal hot water or you know someone struggling with this issue, there are five reasons why you need to retain a lawyer.
- You Are Charged With a DWI
Driving under the influence is a serious offense, and all 50 states have strict enforcement in these situations. Being convicted can quickly cost you your job, and there’s a good chance you’ll never be driving a truck again. When you hire an attorney, however, you can build up a strong defense. There are a lot of angles your attorney can take as they investigate the situation. They’ll talk to officers and review documentation to see if there’s anything amiss that could be used to have your case dismissed. If not, they can help minimize charges and to help you get back on your feet.
- You Were in a Serious Accident
Whenever there’s an accident involving a semi-truck, there’s typically a lot of damage. After all, they can weigh 80,000 pounds and travel alongside smaller vehicles. If you were involved in an accident, you’ll want to seek out legal representation. Insurance will be involved, and you’ll have to submit to various tests such as drugs and alcohol. If there are any fingers pointed your way in regards to the reason the accident occurred, you shouldn’t talk to anyone until you’ve consulted with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer like those at the Law Offices of Eric Harron.
- You Are Confused By Your Conviction
No matter your conviction, the fact remains that the law can be confusing, and, unless you have a law school degree, there are likely aspects about your case you aren’t completely clear on. If there’s anything you feel you aren’t sure about, you owe it to yourself to consult with legal counsel to ensure you understand your rights.
- You’re Innocent, But You Don’t Know How to Build Your Case
Lawyers have spent years understanding how the court system works, and there are numerous ways in which they can build a strong defense on your behalf. Just some of the things they could do for you to help you overcome charges include:
- Discovering key evidence that was improperly obtained.
- Pointing out that a witness statement contradicts an earlier one
- Discovering that the crime lab failed to properly handle evidence
- You’re Not Sure How to Plead
If this is your first time facing the court system, you may be confused when you’re asked your plea. What are the repercussions for choosing one option over another? To avoid potentially severe penalties, your attorney can review the case and offer the sound advice you need in order to give you the best chance.
The Representation You Deserve
We all make mistakes. As a truck driver, you spend significantly more time on the road than the average person, and it’s not uncommon for you to get pulled over and find yourself in trouble. However, there’s a lot at stake since you’re on the job. Don’t put yourself in danger of sabotaging a career you’ve worked so hard for. The sooner you get an experienced lawyer on your case, the better chance you’ll have of presenting a viable defense that will give you the best possibility of a light sentence or complete dismissal of charges.
This article is from Lizzie Weakley, a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her four-year-old husky Snowball.
