How to Pick DUI Attorneys: Everything You Need to Know
Although not all of them get caught or cause an accident, more than 23% of adults in the United States have driven while intoxicated.
With other people on the road, intoxicated drivers put more than themselves at risk.
Whether you went out for a drink after work or made some mistakes, you’ll need help handling the legal process. Keep reading to discover how you can pick DUI attorneys that will represent your case and reduce your punishment!
Identify Your Legal Needs
One of the most important things to remember when you pick DUI attorneys is that they aren’t all the same.
By understanding your case and legal needs, you can find the most suitable attorney. Look for attorneys with DUI case experience that directly correlates to your situation. Depending on the severity of the damage you caused, you may need someone with specializations.
Write a list of your needs, questions, and concerns so you’re prepared when you start the selection.
Pick DUI Attorneys with Experience
If your attorney doesn’t have experience handling other DUI cases, you may want to consider other options.
DUI experience, specifically for your state, will ensure you get the most help. There are ways to beat a DUI, but an inexperienced lawyer may not have the knowledge to influence the court. The more experience and cases won, the better your odds are for getting by with minimal punishments.
You can discover a lot about DUI attorneys by visiting their LinkedIn accounts, websites, and law firms.
Inquire About Billing
Comparing attorney fees can be challenging since you can’t predict how long the case will go on.
Asking potential attorneys about their standard fees and how they charge clients is essential. Not only will you be paying for the drinking and driving, but you’ll have to cover the expenses of getting help. This can be a costly process, but if you invest in the right person, you could still save money.
Attorneys typically charge by the hour or for a fixed rate, depending on client needs. You should find an attorney that accepts payment plans if you don’t anticipate having a large sum of money at the end of the case.
Read Reviews
Reading online reviews can expose you to useful information about your candidates.
Previous clients of the attorneys can post about their experiences online, to help you make a choice. These posts often include details about the services they needed, if they felt like they were overcharged, and more.
Depending on the site, you can ask follow-up questions and discover details about the attorney or law firms you want to hire. If you encounter negative reviews, don’t hesitate to ask the candidates about them at the start of interviews.
Check Credentials
Certifications and an abundance of options can make it challenging to find legitimate attorneys.
By checking the credentials of the attorneys you’re considering, you can find people that won’t be a scam. You can visit directory sites to identify if they’ve passed the State Bar, National College of Defense, and NACDL.
Without all of the training and experience with DUIs, the candidate might not be able to represent you in court. Make sure you get what you pay for and need by always researching their background.
Conduct Interviews
You can conduct interviews in person, over the phone, or online.
Holding interviews is the best way to get a feel of which attorney to choose. Not only do interviews provide a great opportunity to inquire about their services and experience, but also prices. If you’ve been placed under travel restrictions, you can request a local attorney to meet at your home or online.
Fortunately, video chats are an effective solution for starting an informative conversation. Before you hold the interview, always ask the attorney if it will cost you anything. Certain attorneys will charge you for each moment from the start.
Ask for Referrals
When you feel like you’ve searched everywhere and still haven’t made a choice, you can ask for referrals.
Think about people in your life that have previous experience handling DUI cases. Ask friends, family members, and even people in your community for the best options. Many people recommend using a local social media group to find affordable resources.
If you have worked with a lawyer in the past, but they don’t handle DUI cases, they can still be of use. Ask your lawyers and legal consultants if they know of any attorneys that can win your case.
Follow Your Instincts
Hiring an attorney that leaves you uneasy and stressed isn’t worth it, even if there’s a chance of winning.
You’re better off selecting an attorney that’s motivated to win your case and has confidence in their experience. An attorney will be representing you legally, so if you make the wrong choice, you’ll end up paying for it later.
Follow your instincts and select an attorney that you can trust.
Turn Your Life Around with an Attorney
If you’ve been caught behind the wheel after having a few too many drinks, you need to own up to your mistakes.
Taking responsibility and getting legal help can get you back on the roads and prevent lifelong damage. Before you head to court, you need to pick DUI attorneys that are experienced and ready to handle your case.
Don’t rush through the process, since DUIs can have significant punishments, you want to invest in the best person.
Make sure you read our blog for more info about options for attorneys and getting legal help!
