Should I Tell My DWI Lawyer in North Carolina That I Was Drunk?

Many people approach the entire legal world with a sense of distrust. This is entirely understandable, and many people might have negative experiences with lawyers. But what if you need to work with a DWI lawyer in North Carolina to avoid excessive penalties? Can you trust them? Should you reveal to your lawyer that you were drunk? 

What Happens if I Tell My Defense Lawyer That I Was Drunk?

If you know for a fact that you were intoxicated at the time of your arrest, what happens if you’re honest with your defense lawyer? What if you tell them that you are “guilty,” so to speak? 

This admission will not make your defense attorney any less likely to defend you to the best of their abilities. In fact, they are legally required to defend you to the best of their abilities regardless of the circumstances. You might reveal to them that you are guilty, but your attorney can still try to move for an acquittal. They might also try to have your charges dropped. 

A private defense attorney relies on their professional reputation. If they simply “give up” after you tell them that you were drunk, they will have to accept the consequences of a negative result in court. This may affect their ability to attract future clients, so “giving up” is a poor business decision for a private defense lawyer. This might not necessarily be true if you rely on a public defender. 

Will My Lawyer Tell the Authorities That I Was Drunk?

No, your lawyer will not tell the authorities that you were drunk if you reveal this fact to them. Every lawyer is bound by something called the “attorney-client privilege.” Under this principle, a lawyer is not allowed to reveal anything you tell them during private, “privileged” discussions. Violating the attorney-client privilege is a major issue for professional lawyers, and it can cause them to lose their professional license. 

Honesty Can Help Your Lawyer Defend You

Honesty always makes sense when you’re trying to achieve positive results after a DUI charge. When your lawyer knows the truth, they can craft a defense strategy on your behalf that actually makes sense. If you leave out key information or lie, your lawyer might create a strategy that relies on what you have told them. When these mistruths are exposed in court, your defense strategy could fail. 

Can a DWI Lawyer in North Carolina Help Me?

A DWI lawyer in North Carolina may be able to help if you face criminal charges. Although you might be hesitant to trust your attorney, the client-attorney privilege ensures that everything you say to them should remain confidential. You might want to tell your lawyer as much as you can about your situation. The more information they have, the easier it might be for them to defend you in court. Contact Coastal South Law today for more information.