In order to ensure you are hiring the best DUI lawyer for your case, you will need to be entirely open about the facts of your case and ask the right questions as well. Here is a quick look at some of the questions you should ask potential DUI lawyers.
1. How do your services cost?
Remember that DUI lawyers are still running a business. Some lawyers may have fees for consultations, so you will want to get the cost of any services rendered out of the way first. To avoid paying for something you weren’t expecting to pay for, know what you are getting into beforehand.
2. What are your qualifications?
Working in the legal field requires training, and hopefully good training. Ask your lawyer where they got their law degree or were trained for their profession. Double-check that their answer is a reputable institution for training in law. Training in DUI cases can also include training in the methods of field sobriety tests and other DUI specific items, so ask about those as well.
3. Are you involved in any professional organizations?
Maintaining current training as a DUI lawyer is tough. The laws pertaining to drunk driving are difficult to work with and many lawyers are required to have specialized training to work. DUI cases. Some professional organizations help to ensure DUI lawyers are well trained and up to date. Keep an eye out for organizations like the National College for DUI Defense. Lawyers who are members of such organizations will be properly trained to deal with your case.
4. What is your case history?
Training is good to have, but experience in the courtroom is important too. Ask what their case history is like. If you find a lawyer who was consistently not able to work cases in their client’s favor then you should stay away.
5. What are your thoughts on my case?
The DUI lawyer should be able to take a look at what evidence is available for your case and give you an idea of the best course of action. Sometimes, they may not even have to work with you past a consultation. If the evidence in your case is stacked against you, they may suggest simply pleading guilty, something that does not require hiring a lawyer. However, if they believe that your case can be adequately challenged then they should be able to provide professional advice and, afterward, assistance.
6. Will you be personally handling my case?
If you are considering hiring the lawyer you are speaking with, be sure to ask who will be representing you in the courtroom. Many legal firms are groups of lawyers working together as a group, so the lawyer you are meeting may provide a consultation and then hand the case to another lawyer. You will want to ask who is representing you so you can ensure an experienced lawyer is by your side in court.
