what are good questions to ask a lawyer about duis

by Prof. Isabella Emard 6 min read

  • What did you think of the experience working with your DUI attorney?
  • What were the attorney's strengths? What were the weaknesses?
  • Do you believe your attorney fought hard for you?
  • Would you hire this attorney again if you needed DUI help again?

The typical sorts of questions you should ask of a DUI lawyer include:
  • How long have you been practicing DUI law in California?
  • Do you specialize in DUI cases? ...
  • Do you have special training relating to DUI cases?
  • Do you handle both the trial and any DMV hearings?

Full Answer

How do I find a good DUI lawyer?

Jul 02, 2021 · It would be good to know how many years they have practiced law and if they specialize in DUI cases only or if it is a small percentage of the work that goes through their firm. What Is the Typical Range Of DUI Penalties In My State? Your lawyer should be able to advise you on that, depending on your circumstances.

Do I really need a DUI lawyer?

Before DUI DWI attorneys can give you feedback about your options, they need to understand the charges and the evidence against you. Listen carefully to the questions the attorneys ask you, and answer them directly. Then you can get some suggestions by asking: Would you recommend a guilty plea? Is a plea agreement a possibility?

Why do I need a lawyer for a DUI?

How to choose a good DUI lawyer?

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What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

Do lawyers answer questions?

As you probably know from law firm advertisements, many attorneys offer free consultations to prospective clients to answer basic questions about whether they need a lawyer. Free consultations typically last about 30 minutes to an hour, though each lawyer can set his or her own rules.Jul 28, 2014

What are the consequences of a DUI in California?

For a first-offense DUI in California, consequences for conviction generally include three years of informal probation, fines of $390 plus “penalty assessments” (totally approximately $2000, and completing a first offender alcohol program that consists of a 30-hour class, at a cost of about $500.

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?

Typically the contingency rate free ranges from 33%-45% of the recovery. A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement that enables injured victims pursuing legal recourse to have legal representation, even if they do not have the financial ability to pay a lawyer out of pocket.Aug 3, 2021

How do you form a legal question?

Legal Writing TipsIssue statements (sometimes referred to as Questions Presented) should:Be a single sentence.Be a question that can be answered "yes" or "no"State the names of the parties.Include enough facts to provide necessary context to the reader.

What do lawyers do?

Lawyers typically do the following: Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters. Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case. Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Sep 8, 2021

Where can I ask a question for free?

Where can I ask a question on the Internet?Answerbag. Answerbag is a website that helps answer questions in almost all types of different categories. ... Answers.com. ... Ask Me Help Desk. ... Ask MetaFilter. ... Avvo. ... Blurtit. ... Brainly. ... Brilliant.org.More items...•Apr 12, 2021

How likely is jail time for first DUI California?

For a first DUI offender, you may face 2-days in jail but will receive an additional 48-hours if you refused BAC testing. For every subsequent DUI conviction, the court will impose a mandatory minimum jail time. If you caused an injury or fatality, the penalties are more severe.

How much is a DUI 2021 California?

* How much does a DUI cost? California DUI fines range from $390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments & fees that can raise the total cost to $18,000, depending on your DUI charge. DUI with injury or property damage may also require you to pay injured parties.

How long is probation for DUI in California?

three to five yearsCalifornia DUI Probation Violations Typically, people are placed on probation for a period of three to five years and are expected to complete a drunk driving program(s), pay court fines and fees, not commit any criminal offenses, and not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.

Tell Me About Your Background

One of the first questions you need to ask your potential attorney is about their background and experience. As there are many different types of criminal lawyers out there, finding an attorney that is experienced with DUI’s can be critical to your case and your outcome.

What Are Your Fees?

One of the most common questions that many individuals have when talking to any lawyer is: How much will this cost, and can I afford it? That’s why clarifying the billing and the fee schedule early on will help you prepare and understand how much you owe.

What Are the Possible Outcomes?

The most popular question that every DUI attorney gets is: What is going to happen to me? No attorney can give you a definite answer of what exactly will happen in your case. However, experienced DUI attorneys can provide you with feedback and options that are possible based on the facts of your situation.

Whom Do I Call With Questions?

One thing that all individuals who have been charged with a crime need to remember is the logistics behind the scenes are just as important as what is going on with the case. Knowing who is working on your behalf can provide you with clear communication and the peace of mind that your case is getting the dedication that you want and deserve.

Why a DUI Lawyer?

DUI lawyers are dedicated to helping to preserve the rights of the accused. Look for a law firm that has made DUI defense a concentration of its practice. You will want a DUI attorney known not only for the dedication he or she provides to clients, but across the state for their work ethic and their DUI defense knowledge.

What Experience Do You Have In Handling DUI Cases?

When dealing with DUI cases you will need a lawyer that is well experienced in this field. You will need someone who will be aggressive and skillful in representing you and defending you in court.

How Many DUI Cases Have You Handled

The track record for winning/losing these types of cases should guide you in choosing the best attorney for this type of legal defense. It would be good to know how many years they have practiced law and if they specialize in DUI cases only or if it is a small percentage of the work that goes through their firm.

What Is the Typical Range Of DUI Penalties In My State?

Your lawyer should be able to advise you on that, depending on your circumstances. The range can vary on whether or not you have had a previous DUI conviction, how high your blood alcohol content was when arrested, and whether you were injured or killed whilst driving drunk.

What Are The Costs Associated With Hiring You?

You should always ask your lawyer how much they charge in terms of legal fees and expenses. This will give you an idea of whether or not this person is within your budget for what can be a very costly process if it goes to trial, and you want to make sure that they are indeed affordable.

Do You Charge An Upfront Retainer

You will need to confirm if you will pay an upfront retainer fee and, if so, how much it will be for your case specifically. Some lawyers provide free initial consultation that includes an in-depth review of all aspects related to your case.

What Is Your Experience Defending Other Clients In A Similar Situation As Mine?

This will allow you to see how they approach the case and their strategy, which can be different for each DUI case. Their methods must be consistent with what you want to do because if it isn’t then, there might be problems later on.

Do I Need To Attend Any Of My Meetings Or Hearings With My Lawyer, If So How Often?

Your lawyer should be able to advise you on this, as it depends on the circumstances. Some people don’t want their DUI case to be public knowledge and would rather just have their lawyer handle everything behind closed doors, but others choose to go head-to-head and take every opportunity they are given.

What is case management in DUI?

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:

Is it expensive to get arrested for DUI?

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.

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