You have been arrested for a DUI. You are now facing the possibility of losing your driver’s license, paying high fines, and even jail time. You want to make sure that you choose the best lawyer possible to represent you in court. So you research to see more about them. But how do you find out which ones are qualified?
Proceedings can become very stressful, especially when it comes down to the final moments before a conviction is reached. To relieve some of this pressure and anxiety, you should ask your lawyer the following 10 questions before deciding who you want as your representation!
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. This is important because it will show you how knowledgeable and experienced they are, not just with DUIs but also with other law areas.
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. for more check Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney.
What Are Some Of Your Successes In Defending People Accused Of DUI?
A good lawyer will show you how successful they have been at getting similar cases dismissed or reduced, which may help you settle on the right lawyer for your case. He should also be able to discuss the strategy that he believes will work best for you.
An experienced lawyer will provide a good estimate of your chances and if it’s likely or unlikely. He may also know how long they usually take so you can consider whether this is an option for you.