Driving under the influence could land you in jail and even get you a conviction today. This offense is usually taken seriously after a concerted effort by government agencies to show the public how dangerous it is to drink and drive. Therefore, if you or your loved one is arrested due to drunken driving, the best thing to do is to get a credible and experienced DWI lawyer. Hiring the right lawyer can be a daunting task especially if you have never hired one before. This is because the market is flooded with so many lawyers and choosing one can be quite challenging. This article gives an insight into selecting the right DUI attorney.
Before you start the search for this type of lawyer, you must consider your situation first. You need to understand the type of charges preferred against you and consider the best game plan to it. These tips will help you when it comes to selecting a DUI attorney. Finding a professional whose practice is entirely devoted to criminal defense is crucial at this point. Moreover, the attorney must be focused narrowly on driving under the influence cases. Hence, when you meet the potential attorney, get to ask these questions before you commit yourself.
It is also crucial to ask for referrals from your co-workers and close friends. Though you may be quite reluctant to tell your friends about this situation, you may be surprised that they have also been in the same situation before. Hence, they will be able to give referrals to a credible DUI attorney that they have dealt with before. A referral is preferred because it gives you first-hand info regarding a DUI attorney. The feedback doesn’t have to be positive for it to be helpful but you can be given the negative experiences too which will help you decide wisely.
On the other hand, you may also get in touch with the local bar associations or the state bar associations. These associations usually give referral services for lawyers depending on various criteria. You can get an attorney’s practice area, languages spoken, geographic location, and many other details. Hence, make a point of contacting them either physically or through their official website to get this information. Also, the internet can be used on the search for a credible DUI attorney. You will get their biography, location, how long they have been practicing, and their credentials.
Before hiring a DUI attorney, you must schedule a consultation meeting. Many lawyers will always provide a free or minimal cost initial meeting or consultation. Hence, when you have a list of potential attorneys, you must arrange for the initial consultation to discuss your matter. Before going for the consultation with the various DUI attorneys, it is advisable to prepare a list of questions to ask them. You must also be prepared to answer tough questions from the attorneys too. When you are done with these initial consultation meetings, you will be ready to pick the right DUI attorney for your case.