Lexington, South Carolina, DUI defense attorney James R. Snell, Jr., has completed the Persuasive Negotiation course through the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Conducted in Fort Worth, Texas, the program brought together DUI defense attorneys from across the United States for training in negotiation, communication, and effective advocacy.
For someone facing a DUI charge, preparation and communication both matter. A defense attorney must understand the evidence, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and clearly explain the client’s position. Negotiation training builds on these responsibilities by examining how attorneys can present arguments, address disagreements, and evaluate possible resolutions.
Many of our clients would prefer to avoid a trial and resolve their DUI case through an agreement with the prosecutor. When this is a client’s goal, we work to negotiate a favorable resolution that may include a reduction in the charge and the potential sentence. Depending on the facts, evidence, and prosecutor’s agreement, possible resolutions may include reckless driving, driving too fast for conditions or some other violation. Prosecutors consider many factors when negotiating a DUI case including the prior record of the defendant, possible legal defenses, whether the case involves a collision with another vehicle, and what the evidence is or isn't in support of the allegation of impaired driving, and those facing a DUI should not automatically expect that a reduction will be automatically offered even for a first offense.
When an agreement results in dismissal of the original DUI charge and resolution through a different offense, the records associated with the dismissed DUI may be eligible for expungement. Eligibility depends on the specific disposition and applicable law. Expungement of the dismissed DUI does not necessarily remove the conviction or driving record associated with the replacement offense. We help clients understand these distinctions when evaluating a proposed agreement.
Our approach also respects clients who want to fully contest their DUI charges. If a client wishes to fight the charge, or an acceptable negotiated resolution cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to fight the case in court. Negotiation and trial preparation work together, with the client’s goals and the circumstances of the case guiding our approach.
The NCDD program explored the psychology of negotiation, including interview techniques, personality differences, and human behavior. The curriculum also addressed body language, micro-expressions, and other nonverbal aspects of communication during difficult conversations.
Another focus was understanding the interests behind a negotiating position. A stated demand may not fully explain the concerns driving it. Learning to ask useful questions, listen carefully, and identify those concerns can help attorneys approach discussions more thoughtfully.
Participants examined both competitive and collaborative negotiation strategies. These approaches consider when to press a position and when to explore options that address the interests of multiple parties. Training also covered professional ethics, candor, and the boundaries attorneys must observe during negotiations. Practical workshops used mock scenarios and panel exercises to apply concepts involving timing, persuasion, and communication.
For DUI defense, these skills complement careful investigation and trial preparation. Meaningful discussions require an understanding of the facts and the available evidence. A thorough review of the case helps inform both negotiations with the prosecutor and decisions about contesting the charge in court.
Mr. Snell brings more than 20 years of experience representing people charged with DUI in Lexington, Columbia, and throughout South Carolina. His experience includes cases involving breath test refusals, elevated blood alcohol readings, accidents, checkpoints, and allegations of impairment by drugs.
His continuing education includes training in the breath testing equipment used by South Carolina law enforcement. He has completed the DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing curriculum used to train officers investigating possible impaired drivers, the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) course, and the DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing instructor course. There are many reasons why clients select the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, for their DUI Defense case.
This training provides additional background for examining how DUI investigations are conducted and how evidence is developed. Mr. Snell is also the author of South Carolina DUI Defense: The Law and Practice.
The NCDD course builds on his previous negotiation education. Mr. Snell has also completed Mastering Negotiation through Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a week-long training program conducted at the Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Together, these programs reflect his continued commitment to developing the preparation and communication skills used in representing clients.
If you have been charged with DUI in Lexington, Columbia, or elsewhere in South Carolina, contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, to discuss your circumstances. Whether your goal is to pursue a negotiated resolution or contest your charge in court, call (803) 359-3301 to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments are typically available. We offer free consultations for those facing a DUI charge.
All cases are unique. Prior results obtained by an attorney in one matter do not indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters. Completion of these training programs does not guarantee any particular outcome. No lawyer can ever promise or guarantee any result for a DUI or other matter.