Did you know that on average 1.5 million people are arrested each year for drunk driving? If you are arrested or charged with a DUI you need the best guidance possible.
The only way to have this is by hiring the right lawyer for your case. If you are here it means that you or someone you know is looking for a DUI lawyer. But, how can you make sure you’re hiring the right lawyer?
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. We have you covered.
Learn more here.
Searching for the Right DUI Lawyer
When it comes to lawyers you’ve to search for the right person like you would do to find a car. We might be short of time, but if you use this guide you’ll cover all your bases, and hire the right lawyer for your case.
Here are some things you should look for when hiring your DUI lawyer:
Only Practices Criminal Law
This is a must when you hire your attorney. Nowadays we see many lawyers who try to work any case that comes through their door.
DUIs are complex charges. Here you’ll need an attorney who is used to work criminal law. This will give them the knowledge of how to best approach these court proceedings.
Works Mostly on DUI
This will be something that will make or break your case. You need the best guidance and representation you can get.
The best way to make sure of this is by hiring a DUI lawyer. They must be used to working this type of cases. Law firms like De Bruin Law Firm have lawyers who work mostly DUIs.
Experience
When it comes to experience, many lawyers like advertising how many cases they’ve worked. But, you should be looking at quality over quantity. You want proven results.
Not just I worked this many DUI cases last year. What results did their clients get? Was it plea bargains?
Did the cases go to trial? If so, what was the result? From what the lawyer told you, did their clients get the best possible deal?
Help During and After the Case
Some say that lawyers are as good as their contracts. We can say this is particularly true. Attorneys should be in the business of helping people.
You can’t help people if the only thing you want to do is drain their bank account. Make sure that the contract your DUI lawyer is offering you, promises that they will help you during the case and with post-conviction programs.
Explains in Detail Fees and Policies About Appeals
We aren’t planning to have to appeal. But, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When you are hiring your attorney don’t forget to discuss the possibility of appeals.
You’ve to cover all your bases. Make sure to sit down with your lawyer and go over the appeal process. Don’t forget to discuss any possible fees.
Free Consultation
Many DUI attorneys offer free consultations. But, if they’re charging for meeting you for the first time. I wouldn’t assume anything, but what makes them so special to charge you from the get-go.
Meeting your DUI lawyer face to face is important before deciding if they are the right lawyer for you. During the meeting, you will get a better glimpse of how they work, and if they’ll fit the bill. Make sure that the lawyer you’re meeting is the one who will represent you.
Listens to You and Answers All Your Questions
During the free consultation and throughout the process, you should expect to be as informed as possible. Your lawyer is the expert, but they should listen to you and answer all your questions.
At the end of the day, you are the one who will get stuck with the bill. And, you are paying them for their time and advice.
Clean Ethical Record
This may not seem too important, because aren’t lawyers supposed to be ethical in order to practice? They are supposed to follow the Ethics Code. Yet, they may keep practicing even when they are found unethical.
Yes, there are lawyers who have been disbarred for unethical practices. But, usually, this happens when they’ve broken the Ethics Code many times. So before hiring your DUI lawyer check if they have a clean ethical record.
Won’t Delegate Your Case
This is common today because most law firms have many lawyers at their offices. That’s why when you hire your DUI attorney; you’ve to make sure that they won’t delegate the case.
You want your lawyer to guide you through the process. If they delegate your case, it may translate into communication problems, and not having your best shot at winning it.
Good and Easy Communication
We know being a lawyer is a difficult and busy job. But, this doesn’t mean that you should’ve to be playing hide and seek with your lawyer. You need a lawyer who will always be available.
That you call them and they answer or return your call promptly. They should be easy to get a hold-off. Also, they should always have time to meet with you.
Trials and Plea Bargains Knowledge
Many DUI charges end in plea bargains. This is an agreement between the defendant and prosecutor. Here the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to the charges.
Since most DUIs end in trials and plea bargains, you need a lawyer who has experience in these. Look for an attorney who has negotiated DUI plea deals and represented other clients during DUI trials. This will give you the best chance at getting the best deal in your case.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right DUI attorney shouldn’t be complicated. You’ve to keep your eyes wide open and look for the basics. Pay attention to their experience, communication, ethics, and knowledge.
The lawyer that doesn’t earn your trust after you learn about them shouldn’t be your best option. After all, you are paying them for their service; it isn’t the other way around.
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