Being arrested in Austin is stressful, especially if you are not familiar with jail release policies. If you or a loved one needs to get out of jail, several steps must occur before release. Most people ask, do I need to hire a lawyer? Ultimately, hiring a lawyer or not is up to you but can have many benefits. Read on to find out why hiring a lawyer can be useful in getting out of jail.
Jail Release for Minor Crimes
Attorneys are not required to be present when someone is released from jail. However, hiring a lawyer immediately can speed up the jail release process. Typically, getting out of jail after an arrest requires posting bail or bond. Bail refers to an amount of money a defendant must pay to get out of jail. However, just because you are released from jail doesn’t mean your troubles are behind you. Once released, the court will ask you to return for a scheduled trial to hear your case. This is where hiring a lawyer is necessary.
Seeking Out Counsel in Austin
While a lawyer is not needed for jail release, defendants who end up in jail are legally entitled to seek counsel. This means that these individuals can seek the advice of their lawyer. Additionally, you can request to have an attorney present if you’re being questioned about charges or an alleged crime. Often, hiring an attorney when you are arrested or charged with a crime can help your chances of getting a reduced sentence or having the charges mitigated.
Meeting Conditions After Jail Release
Sometimes, a defendant must agree to meet certain conditions until their trial to be released from jail. For example, if someone posts bail and is released, they still may be on house arrest until their trial. For DWI (driving while intoxicated) charges, your license may be suspended until your trial, or even longer. Having a lawyer on your side from the beginning increases your chances of having these conditions reduced or, better yet, dropped.
Hiring a Lawyer in Austin
Even though you do not need a lawyer for jail release, it is a smart idea to hire a lawyer for your trial. You want a lawyer with experience and honesty who will defend your case. Having a lawyer on your side can sometimes decrease sentences and penalties, especially in drug- or alcohol-related crimes. After being arrested for DWI, you need to hire a lawyer quickly so they can begin to work on your case to get the consequences reduced.
If you need advice on jail release processes or upcoming trials, then the team at Stephen Bowling has the experts you can trust. Our lawyers have been serving the Austin area for decades. Whether you were arrested for a first-time DWI, have multiple drug charges, or need a criminal defense expert, our 24/7 services are available. If you are interested in a free consultation, you can request one on our website or by calling 512-599-9000.
