how to work a dui attorney

To help your DUI lawyer mount a good defense on your behalf, you should: Always answer questions truthfully. If your lawyer needs information, provide it as quickly as possible. Stay in communication with your lawyer, including checking in about filed motions or court dates.

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Selection Tips For Hiring DUI lawyer

Selecting a DUI lawyer starts with understanding the qualifications of the prospective lawyer. The most important questions follow.

Relationship with Prosecutors

Outside of experience, this question seeks to understand how prosecutors view the DUI lawyer you may want to work with. A good relationship with the court shows a professionalism and the virtue of the adversarial system of law.

Consultation Tips

These questions focus on what to do when you have a conversation with a DUI lawyer. These questions aim to find out how well the lawyer will fit with you and how much personal attention you will receive.

Assessment of Case

Lay out the details of your case. Work honestly and bring all the paperwork you have access to. The lawyer can’t make a good recommendation on your chances if you are not honest.

Make the Decision at Home

Which brings us to the final tip. Don’t make a final decision about which lawyer to go within the moment. Take a moment to think it over at home and come to a final decision.

How do I find a DUI lawyer?

There are multiple ways to find a DUI lawyer in your area. You can ask your friends or acquaintances for a recommendation. Another good way is the online search. While googling be attentive to avoid fake or spam websites. Search thoroughly before choosing your DUI lawyer because he/she is your main legal representative in all judicial levels. Try to choose your lawyer outside the internet. Go for free consultations to several lawyers and pick the one you feel comfortable to work with.

What to do after a DUI?

Remember, don’t answer any questions, but try to politely comply with the officer. Never resist the arrest; it can bring some more extra charges. Again, contact the corresponding attorney for assistance on the spot.

What is the first stage of a DUI trial?

The first stage in the court is the preliminary hearings. The judge examines all submitted evidence to decide whether you are charged or not. Be careful while gathering the evidence. If the judge decides to charge you, your case will go to the next trial stage. As we all know, the laws differ from state to state. Depending on the DUI laws acting in your state, your case may go to a jury trial. To handle the trial, you again need a skillful DUI attorney.

Can you appeal a DUI verdict?

After examining all the evidence, the court (judge or jury) reveals the verdict. If any DUI punishments are applied for you as an outcome, you may file an appeal to argue the verdict. In this process, your DUI attorney will again show the right way for appealing.

What is the most important thing to know about a DUI?

Choosing the right lawyer in the beginning may be the single most important factor in determining the outcome in the end. In fact, choosing the right DUI lawyer will likely be the most important single decision you make in the entire case.

Who is Michael A. Hubbell?

Michael’s skill and experience have been recognized repeatedly. He holds an A-V 5/5 preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell. He has been named one of the top lawyers in Arizona by Southwest Superlawyers, and one of the best lawyers in Tucson by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine. He also has been named one of the best lawyers in the United States by BestofUS.com , and given the highest rating possible by AVVO, 10/10 Superb. Amazon Books

What is a HGN test?

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) is the long name of a short test. Given by police to people during many if not most DUI investigations, it’s an eye test. You may have had one given to you. It is actually a version of a routine test used by doctors and nurses in neurological exams. Every doctor and nurse knows how to give one. Your lawyer should know well the way the police are trained to give these tests, and the inherent fallibility of such testing, and explain it simply to a jury. If he or she can’t explain HGN to you, over the phone, in a way that makes sense to you, he probably will have a hard time explaining it, and other things , to a jury or judge.

Can a DUI lawyer be a prosecutor?

There are many good DUI lawyers who never served as prosecutors. But almost everyone agrees that maybe the single best training for a successful DUI lawyer is a stint early in his career as a DUI prosecutor. That’s because DUI prosecutors, even those doing it for only a couple of years, handle hundreds or even thousands of cases. There is no substitute for that kind of experience and training. You can’t buy it. Or get it at a seminar. In fact, it takes many lawyers decades to try as many cases as DUI prosecutors try in two years. And let’s not forget that former DUI prosecutors have been on both sides, know the system, and tend to get along well the prosecutors and judges. That can’t hurt either. For that reason former DUI prosecutors are often highly prized and somewhat rare.

Do DUI lawyers use marketing?

Marketing is a reality of DUI law practice these days. Almost all DUI lawyers, therefore, even the best ones, engage in some marketing. But lawyers who conspicuously rely on cheesy TV commercials, radio spots, big bus wraps, boisterous billboards, or other gimmicks, might be doing so because they are having trouble finding clients. In fact, in certain cases you may actually want to think of those as advertisements for precisely not the lawyers you want.

Do DUI lawyers win?

Many DUI lawyers claim lots of “wins.” But many may claim a “win” on what is actually a split verdict, where the person is found not guilty of some but not guilty of others. This might mean that what they claim as a win is actually a loss. Therefore, it’s probably important inquire as to the attorney’s recent complete dismissals and acquittals, and the specific circumstances under which they were obtained.

1. Do Independent Research

Rather than relying on the marketing copy of law firms and practicing attorneys, do your own research. Look at peer ratings, client testimonials, association memberships, awards and more. Read about how much experience each attorney has and look closely at any past cases to find attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours.

2. Make a List of Lawyers Who Seem to Meet the Criteria

Once you have done your research, there may be a few attorneys who stand out because they seem to get strong testimonials, have years of relevant experience, are highly-regarded by their peers and take part in professional associations. Create a list of these most promising attorneys.

3. Interview Each Lawyer by Calling the Law Firm

Once you have completed your list of possible attorneys, contact them via phone. Phone contact allows you to see how comfortable you are speaking with each attorney and lets you examine how effective each attorney is at communication. You want an attorney who answers calls in a reasonable time frame, is personable and makes you feel comfortable.

4. Find out About Legal Costs

Once you have attorneys on the phone, ask them about legal costs in your case. You want an attorney who is transparent about costs. Do not work with attorneys who are vague on this point since you may end up with an attorney you cannot afford.