If you have been charged with drunk driving, it is vital to hire legal representation. A DUI is a serious charge, so you want an attorney who will fight for your rights and defend you in court. Whether you are guilty or innocent of the charges, an excellent DUI attorney will be your advocate.
Since choosing an attorney is an important decision, you should interview several attorneys before making your selection. Most attorneys offer a complimentary consultation session. This is your chance to interview the attorney. The attorney will also consider the details of your case and decide if she would accept you as a client.
Before your consultation, formulate a list of questions to ask the attorney. If you hire the attorney, they will be working for you. Therefore, you should not be embarrassed to ask numerous questions. A good attorney will appreciate the fact that you have done your research and thoroughly prepared for the interview. You will also be able to compare attorneys in a fair manner if you ask them all the same questions.
You should begin the consultation by asking the attorney questions about his education and experience. Ask what law school he attended and how many years he has been in practice. It is important to find out the attorney’s experience in cases similar to yours. How many DUI cases has he represented? What were the results of these cases?
Many cases are settled out of court, so you also want to verify the attorney’s courtroom experience. How many cases has he represented before a jury? How many of these jury cases were for DUI charges?
The majority of attorneys work for firms that employ numerous attorneys, paralegals and other staff members. During your consultation, verify who will be responsible for handling your case. Also ask which staff member you should contact with questions or concerns.
Even the most wonderful attorney will not be able to help you if you cannot afford her fees. Therefore, ask for a breakdown of the potential legal costs of your case. Costs can vary, but the attorney should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate.
It is wise to research an attorney’s background before you sign the contract. You can contact your state bar association to verify that the attorney is in good standing. You can also see if the attorney has been disciplined by the state bar association in the past. Ask the attorney for references from previous clients, then contact the references to ask if they were happy with the service the attorney provided.
The time after a DUI charge can be very stressful. It is important that you feel comfortable communicating with your attorney. An excellent attorney will not make you feel inferior or embarrassed during your consultation. If you do not feel that you can have open, honest communication with the attorney, keep searching until you find an attorney that treats you with respect.
By researching and conducting thorough interviews, you can find an excellent DUI attorney to represent you in court.
If you want to learn more about DUI, check out Kanetix Insurance for more information on what to do in a DUI situation. Getting a competent DUI attorney can save you a substantial amount of money.