How to Choose a DUI Attorney
Full Answer
It is always best to have legal representation on your side whenever you are arrested on any type of criminal charges, especially charges like DUI that can potentially complicate your life in many ways for years to come. If you do not get a lawyer, you run the risk of facing the full scope of possible penalties for your offense.
While you should not delay obtaining legal counsel from an experienced Orange County DUI attorney, you should not rush your decision, either. Take your time and find a DUI lawyer who offers the skill, resources, and experience you would expect from a seasoned defense attorney.
Once you have met with a defense attorney, be sure to clarify anything you do not understand about your case with them. It’s also wise to develop several questions to help you gauge the DUI lawyer’s experience level and suitability to represent you.
A DUI conviction can lead to many negative outcomes, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and even professional consequences for some individuals.
The sooner you secure legal representation when facing criminal charges for DUI, the more likely you will be to beat those charges or at the very least secure the lightest possible sentence for a DUI conviction.
If you have been caught driving under the influence, you are going to need a lawyer. Of course, you could go with a government-appointed lawyer, but it is a much wiser decision to hire an attorney on your own. Hiring a DUI attorney with experience affords you multiple benefits such as a behind-the-scenes knowledge of the court system, ...
Sometimes we make irresponsible choices and have to live with the consequences. According to MADD, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Out of these numbers, three times as many males were arrested for drunk driving than females.
Rather than relying on the marketing copy of law firms and practicing attorneys, do your own research. Look at peer ratings, client testimonials, association memberships, awards and more. Read about how much experience each attorney has and look closely at any past cases to find attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours.
Once you have done your research, there may be a few attorneys who stand out because they seem to get strong testimonials, have years of relevant experience, are highly-regarded by their peers and take part in professional associations. Create a list of these most promising attorneys.
Once you have completed your list of possible attorneys, contact them via phone. Phone contact allows you to see how comfortable you are speaking with each attorney and lets you examine how effective each attorney is at communication. You want an attorney who answers calls in a reasonable time frame, is personable and makes you feel comfortable.
Once you have attorneys on the phone, ask them about legal costs in your case. You want an attorney who is transparent about costs. Do not work with attorneys who are vague on this point since you may end up with an attorney you cannot afford.
When you choose an attorney, the first main thing you’ll need to know is how experienced he or she is. Experience is crucial in this matter while everything else can be equal. Before you make a random selection, remember that experience is key. An experienced attorney will be more helpful than someone who isn’t.
While there’s no evidence that you’ll be successful in your case, there’s always that one attorney who will take your case to the stars and back if need be. These professionals are the ones who will ensure that you have the best fighting chance.
If you didn’t already know, when someone is charged with a DUI, there’s a high possibility that you’ll have your license taken away. The arresting officer also usually issues a form from the DMV. The DMV can then easily hold a hearing and your license can be suspended.
While choosing an attorney, it’s best to choose one who isn’t disciplined by the state bar. In Houston DWI defense attorney, those who are disciplined, tend to have a record. Before you make your selection, it’s best to check with the state bar.
The best DUI attorneys sincerely want to see you win your case and help you move on with your life. They will respect you and work intently with you to ensure you are fully informed on the development of your case. They will be open to addressing all your concerns so do not be afraid to ask questions.
There are two additional things to keep in mind when soliciting an attorney.
It is safe to assume that nearly all DUI lawyers charge an hourly rate. The more time they spend working on your case, the more costly it will be. There are three main factors that determine what you will end up paying: the complexity of your case, included costs, and the attorney’s experience level.
Not all DUI lawyers have your best interest at heart, some are only interested in capitalizing off you monetarily. You can avoid these types of situations by identifying several traps when looking for an attorney .
DUI DWI attorneys use the term case management to describe how they handle your case. It's important to know the logistics behind the scenes so that there are no misunderstandings. Some relevant questions to ask include:
Being arrested for DUI can be expensive. Possible outcomes could include loss of your driver's license, increased insurance premiums, DUI school, fines, and possible jail time . And of course it costs money to hire a lawyer.