Have you been charged with a DUI offense? It can be a harrowing experience to be stopped by the police after a night out with family or friends and charged with such a serious crime.
If you’re facing such a scenario and don’t know what to do or how to handle it, you must find a good DUI lawyer to advise you.
“Don’t say anything to the police once you’re charged with DUI,” says Rowdy Williams from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm P.C. “ Talk to an experienced DUI attorney first. What you might think is a comment that makes you sound less guilty may actually help build the prosecution’s case.”
Continue reading to see five things to look for in the sort of DUI defense attorney you can trust.
1. Find Out Their Success Rate In Court
Before hiring a DUI defense lawyer to handle your case, you’ll want to ask how many DUI cases the lawyer has taken to trial. Not all cases proceed to trial, but what is the attorney’s success rate in court? You shouldn’t hire a lawyer who is still green in terms of experience. A lot hangs in the balance, so you’ll want to find a lawyer with a long track record of successfully defending clients who’ve been charged with DUI offenses. In addition to the success rate, you can also ask the lawyer what settlement options might be on the table. You’ll want to know all your options.
2. Focus on Specialization
Finding a lawyer with experience is one thing. But finding a lawyer with expertise in DUI cases is another. Don’t hire a lawyer who is a jack of all trades but a master of none. Look for a DUI defense attorney whose primary expertise is in DUI. Only such a legal professional will have the level of expertise you need to achieve the best outcome for your situation. Experience matters, and expertise matters even more. Don’t waver on this point.
3. Find a Lawyer Who’ll Answer Your Questions
When looking for a DUI defense attorney, ensure that the one you hire answers your questions adequately. The laws pertaining to DUI can be complex. If you have questions, you’ll want clear answers. You won’t want answers that confuse you more than before you asked the questions. You’ll also want to avoid a lawyer who is either reluctant to provide answers or who can’t seem to explain things in a way that is easy to comprehend for people who aren’t lawyers. You can’t make informed decisions if you don’t have the information you need to make them.
4. Find Out About the Cost
It’s also essential that you find out the DUI legal costs upfront. When you go to a consultation with a DUI defense lawyer, the legal professional should outline how much everything will cost. You’ll want everything to be transparent so there are no surprises when you get your bill. A reputable lawyer will ensure you know how much everything will cost. Look elsewhere if you find the lawyer you’re talking to is less than forthcoming about the costs.
If you’re ever charged with a DUI offense, you’ll want to keep the tips above in mind. The most crucial step is to find a DUI defense attorney who can explain your options, let you know what you’re up against, and plan a strategy to get you the best possible outcome.
No two DUI defense lawyers are necessarily the same, so research different lawyers to find the right one for you. Your effort to find the right lawyer will be well worth it in the end.
