What To Look For When Choosing DUI Defense Lawyers
The influence of drugs and alcohol is the number two reason drivers are involved in fatal crashes. In the span of a single year, drugs and alcohol impaired 5,175 drivers. That’s 10% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes.
It’s stressful enough to get involved in a car crash. Getting charged with a DUI will only add to that stress. It’s important to find the best DUI lawyer in the area right away.
Otherwise, you could face serious fines or jail time. A conviction could impact your future.
Instead, use these tips for choosing DUI defense lawyers. With these tips, you can narrow down your options. The best DUI lawyer can reduce your charges and even help you avoid jail.
Don’t hesitate to call for help. Discover how to find the best DUI lawyer with these tips today.
1. Specialized Experience
As you start researching DUI defense lawyers in the area, focus your attention on lawyers with the right specialty. While you might find many criminal lawyers in the area, they could lack the experience you need.
Criminal defense lawyers handle a mix of cases, including identity theft, domestic violence, and DUIs. Not every criminal lawyer has experience with DUIs, though. They might not know every law, procedure, and case that could impact your case.
Instead, look for a lawyer who specializes in DUIs. Make sure they have years of experience in your area, too. Some laws differ based on the state you live in.
Once you find a few DUI defense lawyers in the area, look into their work history.
How long have they practiced law? How long have they specialized in DUI cases? How many cases have they handled within that time?
Look for a lawyer who is up-to-date with the latest laws and cases. They can use that information when building your DUI defense strategy. Otherwise, a lawyer who works from outdated information could struggle with your case.
You can use a lawyer directory like the Hubbell-Martindale directory or your local bar association website to develop a list of lawyers. Make sure the lawyer you choose is licensed to practice in your state. If their license isn’t up-to-date, scratch them off your list.
Choosing someone with the experience and expertise you need will give you peace of mind.
You can click for more information to find an experienced DUI lawyer you can trust.
2. Certifications and Training
Once you find a few local, licensed lawyers, look into their certifications.
Try to find a DUI lawyer certified by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Otherwise, see if they have training from the National Highway Safety Administration. See if they have training on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, too.
Their specialized training could help them build your DUI defense strategy.
Your lawyer will know what factors to consider when building your case.
For example, a prosecutor might argue that your BAC levels were beyond the legal limit when you were arrested. Did the officer who conducted the breathalyzer test follow the proper procedures?
A lawyer with the proper training could argue the test wasn’t administered based on the proper protocols. They could argue the test results were inaccurate. They could get that evidence thrown out as a result.
As you speak with different DUI defense lawyers, ask about their training. See if they have any additional certifications that could benefit your case.
3. Ready for Trial
It’s also important to choose a DUI lawyer who is prepared to go to trial. Not every case is settled out of court. If your case goes to a judge and jury, you’ll want to know your lawyer is prepared.
Some lawyers are apprehensive about going to court. They could struggle to fight for your best interests to avoid a courtroom. They might even settle to avoid a trial.
These lawyers don’t have your best interests in mind. Instead, look for a lawyer that has years of courtroom experience. Ask about their most recent case that went to trial, too.
A lawyer with years of experience has likely learned from those experiences over time.
4. A Strong Track Record
On average, about two out of three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime. A person is injured in an alcohol-impaired driving car accident every two minutes. It’s likely your DUI defense lawyer has worked on a similar case in the past.
It’s not enough to find someone with experience, though. You also want to make sure your lawyer is a winner. Otherwise, they could do more harm than good.
Ask each lawyer on your list about their most recent cases. What was the outcome of those cases? Were they able to get the charges dismissed?
Did they argue the incident down to reckless driving to reduce the charges instead?
Learning more about the lawyer’s track record can help you determine if they’re the right fit.
5. References and Reviews
Every lawyer will try to convince you that they’re the best DUI lawyer in town. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask for references and reviews.
Reading online reviews can help you learn more from someone who was once in your shoes.
Did the lawyer’s previous clients have any complaints? Were they satisfied with the outcome of your case? Would any of them suggest you choose someone else for representation?
Try to speak with at least three people. Otherwise, look for reviews online.
6. Confidence Communicating
Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Then, ask them what outcome they expect for your case.
The lawyer should help you maintain realistic expectations. Don’t choose someone who gives you a guarantee. They can’t predict the outcome of your case.
During the consultation appointment, pay attention to how the lawyer speaks. Do they sound confident? Choose someone who is a strong communicator.
7. The Right Price
How much is a DUI lawyer?
A first-time offense can cost upwards of $10,000 in legal fees and fines. You can narrow down your options by asking about their fee structure. Will you pay a flat fee or an hourly rate?
Review the details of their contract before you sign on the dotted line.
State Your Case: 7 Factors to Consider When Researching DUI Defense Lawyers
Don’t rush to hire the first DUI defense lawyers you come across. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can find a lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
They’ll develop a DUI defense strategy to help you avoid jail time.
Choosing the right lawyer can impact the outcome of your case.
