Did you know that drinking and driving kills 28 Americans every day?
This is a staggering number, and it does not seem to get any smaller. In fact, the more we talk about drinking and driving, the more we realize just how many people are still doing it.
If you are facing drunk driving charges, you need to know that there is help available. The first step toward making sure your rights are protected and ensuring that your case is heard in court is finding the right DUI lawyer for your needs.
Here are some tips on how to find a DUI lawyer that will work hard for you.
Read More: 10 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents This Holiday Season
Contents
- 1 Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
- 2 Look at Their Background
- 3 Look at Their Website
- 4 Call Their References
- 5 Go Online
- 6 Ask About Their Track Record With DUI Cases
- 7 Check the Attorney’s Credentials
- 8 Ask About Their Fees Upfront
- 9 Check Out Their Reputation
- 10 Interview the Attorneys Before Choosing One
- 11 DUI Lawyer: Give Yourself the Best Chance to Win Your Case
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
If you know someone who has been arrested for DUI, ask them about their experience with their attorney.
You can ask them about things like the attorney’s professionalism and communication skills. You can also ask them how responsive the attorney was to their questions and concerns, and how much experience the attorney had with DUI cases.
Ask them about their experience, such as how quickly the process went, what the charges were, if they have handled a DUI 3rd offense, etc. They will tell you if they were happy with their lawyer, and they can also give you a recommendation.
Look at Their Background
All lawyers must pass a rigorous state exam and meet certain educational requirements before they can practice law in any state.
Check out their website or other online resources to learn more about what they’ve done and how long they’ve been practicing law. You can also contact their local bar association to see if they’ve ever been disciplined or had any complaints filed against them.
Hiring an attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life. Take the time needed to find someone right for your needs.
Look at Their Website
Check out the website of your potential attorneys before making an appointment with them or hiring them. You should see pictures of their offices, information about their experience, and testimonials from past clients.
You should also look for a contact page that allows you to send them an email with questions and concerns. You can also find out about their fees and what services they offer by reading this information.
Call Their References
When you’re looking for an attorney, it’s important to ask for references from previous clients. You can call these people directly and ask them about their experience working with your potential lawyer.
If the attorney is good, you’ll likely hear positive things about them. If they’re not so great, then you should go elsewhere.
Read More: 8 Ways to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident
Go Online
It’s becoming more common for people to hire lawyers online without ever meeting them in person first or even speaking over the phone. This is a good way to get an idea of how the lawyer operates.
Read reviews from previous clients and see what they have to say about the firm. Online reviews are also useful if you’re looking for a specific type of attorney, to handle a specific type of case.
Ask About Their Track Record With DUI Cases
An experienced attorney will have handled dozens of these types of cases before yours. Ask them how many DUI trials they’ve handled overall and whether they’ve been successful at winning cases like yours.
You should also ask about what makes them different from other attorneys in your area. Some lawyers may focus on a specific type of case or deal with clients who are facing similar issues as yours, such as drunk driving charges.
Check the Attorney’s Credentials
If you’re going through an administrative hearing or court case, make sure the state bar association has licensed the attorney.
Although this doesn’t guarantee that they’ll do well on your case, it means they know what they’re doing. It also means that other attorneys and state officials have vetted them.
You can also check the attorney’s credentials by looking for a law degree and certification in administrative law. Look for certifications from organizations like the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary or the American Bar Association.
Ask About Their Fees Upfront
When you’re looking for an attorney, ask about the cost of their services. You don’t want to get caught with a bill that’s higher than expected, so it’s important to understand all fees upfront.
If the attorney isn’t willing to give you an estimate, find someone else.
You’ll also want to know whether they charge by the hour or by case. Most attorneys will give you a flat fee for your case, which can be helpful if it’s complicated and takes longer than expected.
Check Out Their Reputation
Find out what kind of reputation this attorney has among other lawyers and clients alike before deciding on one person.
The more positive feedback they get from professionals and clients alike, the better chance you’ll have at hiring someone who will do their best for you. If you can find a talented lawyer who has a positive reputation and lots of experience with clients, you’ll be much more likely to get the best possible outcome.
Read More: What Does a No-Fault State Mean in the Case of Car Accidents?
Interview the Attorneys Before Choosing One
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential attorneys, meet with each one in person for at least an hour. This is your chance to ask all the questions you want about the case.
You should also ask them to explain their legal strategy and tell you about any previous cases that are like yours. This will help you make an informed decision before hiring anyone.
DUI Lawyer: Give Yourself the Best Chance to Win Your Case
As you make your way through selecting a DUI lawyer, keep in mind that most are very good at their job. What sets one apart from another is simply the experience and background of the lawyer.
It’s crucial not to waste time on an attorney who doesn’t have the qualifications or experience to handle your case. Find out what the attorney’s past cases are and choose from there.
Don’t forget to browse our site for more on legal issues, finance, business, and more.