How To Talk With Your DUI Attorney
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If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you have two legal issues facing you….the DMV hearing and the DUI criminal court. So, when the police read your Miranda Rights and they ask if you want a lawyer, you should say yes, immediately. The reason? A DUI is a very serious offense and can result in a wide range of complications. Only a good DUI attorney can make sure that the police and prosecutor are fair with you in their dealings.
Your Life is on the Line
With so much on the line, such as the possibility of losing your license, the potential of jail time and paying fines, you need a good DUI attorney who will make sure to work on your behalf. But when facing the attorney for the first time, do you know what to say and what to ask? The police may offer you a deal before you talk to a DUI attorney, but your attorney is the only one you should speak with. Most of all, you need to feel comfortable with your DUI attorney therefore be prepared to ask questions and be sure they are answered to your satisfaction. Choose a DUI attorney that can help you through the entire process.
Questions to Ask A DUI Attorney
The goal of your attorney is to make sure that any punishment that might result from a conviction is as light as possible. Therefore, it is definitely in your best interest to be cooperative with the police but do not take advice from a police officer. The only one that should offer advice and guidance is your DUI attorney. To be sure you have the right DUI attorney in your corner be sure to ask the attorney the following questions:
- Start by asking the DUI attorney if he only handles DUI cases. The reason for this is that a lawyer who tries to handle all types of cases will not be as aware and informed about DUI laws. To address the situation effectively, you want a DUI attorney that knows what he or she is doing.
- Ask the lawyer when and if he or she contested a DUI case that resulted in a favorable outcome; in other words, find out what percentage of the lawyer’s cases are DUI related and find out if they won.
- Ask a DUI attorney about their reputation. You want an attorney with an outstanding reputation, so ask for references and check their status before hiring the attorney.
- Ask the potential DUI attorney if they themselves will be handling your case or will they be passing you along to someone less experienced; in short you want to know how involved they will be.
- When speaking to the attorney, ask if they will be aggressive in handling your case. You want to be sure the attorney will address the situation as if it were his own.
- Find out if the attorney will be available to speak with you after you have paid a retainer fee; will they be available to you by phone, e-mail or in person.
- Ask if the DUI attorney uses the services of expert toxicologist, DMV licensing specialists and other expert witnesses. Will they visit the scene to determine what happened and will they weigh the evidence carefully?
- Be sure to ask the DUI attorney what he or she charges and whether there will be other fees down the road. If the attorney’s fees are too low, chances are you’re not dealing with a high quality attorney. When it comes to your life, you want a good DUI attorney, so don’t scrimp but that doesn’t mean you should choose the most expensive attorney either.
Remember, facing a DUI charge can be very difficult to deal with therefore you want and need a competent DUI attorney that will do everything to preserve your freedom. In many instances, the sooner you call a DUI attorney the quicker the attorney can start working on your behalf. Contacting an attorney immediately can potentially protect your driving privileges, but don’t just hire anyone too quickly. You want someone with exceptional trial and negotiating skills and you want an attorney who knows all the ins and outs of DUI laws.