questions you need to ask an attorney when you are convicted of a dui?

by Katrina Hintz III 8 min read

Here are a few questions to ask your DUI lawyer: How long have you been representing DUI clients? How many DUI cases do you handle in a year? Are you a former DUI prosecutor?

8 Questions To Ask DUI Attorneys
  • How Long Have You Practiced Law? ...
  • How Long Have You Specialized in DUI Cases? ...
  • Is Your License Up-to-Date? ...
  • Do You Have Courtroom Experience? ...
  • How Strong is Your Track Record? ...
  • Can You Provide References and Reviews? ...
  • What Outcome Do You Expect for My Case? ...
  • What Fee Structure Do You Use?
Jul 20, 2021

Full Answer

How do I find a good DUI lawyer?

Apr 05, 2022 · After three DUI charges within seven years, a person will be charged with a felony level DUI. This cannot be suspended and carries a one-year minimum prison sentence. You may also be required to forfeit your vehicle. Questions To Ask Your Attorney. In North Carolina, many DUI charges are settled out of court.

Do I really need a DUI lawyer?

Jan 12, 2018 · We’ve got five essential questions you’ll want to ask when searching for the best DUI lawyer for your situation. 1. Are You Available to Represent Me? DUI attorneys use the term case management to describe how they handle your case. So it’s important that you know what’s happening behind the scenes so there are no misunderstandings. Be sure you know the …

Why do I need a lawyer for a DUI?

You also need to be prepared to provide the DUI lawyer or their staff with a copy of your police report, bail paperwork, previous offenses, if any, etc. They may ask you multiple questions for each question you ask them. For a free legal consultation, call (310) 928-9347. Ask Questions About Your Lawyer’s Experience.

How to choose a good DUI lawyer?

Your DUI defense attorney will probably use a scientific method called “Widmark’s Formula,” to find out if the amount you had to drink was in fact enough to produce a reading over the legal limit. To be even moderately accurate, your lawyer will need to know the amount of time you spent drinking and type of alcohol consumed, as well as ...

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What are the consequences of a DUI in California?

For a first-offense DUI in California, consequences for conviction generally include three years of informal probation, fines of $390 plus “penalty assessments” (totally approximately $2000, and completing a first offender alcohol program that consists of a 30-hour class, at a cost of about $500.

Does CT allow you to get an attorney for a DUI conviction?

You do not have a right to an attorney until you have refused or submitted to chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine test). In the state of Connecticut, you have a right to consult with counsel when you are being arrested or before you decide to submit or refuse chemical testing.

Can you be charged with a DUI after the fact Ontario?

This typically involves questions from people who wonder whether they can be charged with a DUI after the fact. It's an interesting question and technically speaking the answer is yes, someone can be charged with DUI even months later.Nov 3, 2020

How long does a DUI stay on your criminal record in CT?

10 yearsHow long does a DUI stay on your driving record?StateOn record forPoint lengthConnecticut10 years2 yearsDelaware5 yearsN/AFlorida75 years3 yearsGeorgia10 years2 years46 more rows•Dec 17, 2020

Can you get a DUI expunged in CT?

In Connecticut, an expungement – or clearing of a criminal record – is referred to as a pardon. There are two types of pardons available: an absolute pardon and a provisional pardon. In most cases, people with a DUI conviction can have it removed from their record through an absolute pardon.Aug 10, 2021

How long does a DUI stay on your record in Ontario?

3 yearsIn Ontario, DUI records stay for 3 years after you have paid the fine. For most other states, it will remain for 5 years before you can receive a pardon.Jul 28, 2021

Is it worth fighting a DUI Ontario?

Almost always, the answer is yes. It is worth fighting a DUI charge because of the dramatic impact that a DUI conviction may have on your life.Feb 9, 2021

How do you win a DUI case in Ontario?

Ten Ways to Beat a DUI in Ontario“LAST DRINK” DEFENCE. The police sometimes arrests a driver very shortly after the driver had his or her last drink. ... “TWO DRINKS” DEFENCE. ... CERTIFICATE NOT SERVED. ... IMPAIRED – INDICIA – CONTRADICTIONS BETWEEN OFFICERS. ... ID. ... 11B. ... LATE ASD DEMAND. ... NO RIGHTS TO COUNSEL AT ROADSIDE.More items...

What questions should I ask a DUI lawyer?

DUI lawyers, like all attorneys, don’t possess a magic crystal ball. While a DUI lawyer can’t guarantee case outcomes, they can predict possibilities based upon the unique facts of your case and their own training and experience with DUI law. Be sure to ask you DUI lawyer these questions: 1 Is a plea agreement a possibility? How about any motions such as a pre-trial motion to suppress evidence? 2 Which factors work in my favor and which work against me? 3 Should we go to trial?

What is a good DUI lawyer?

A good DUI lawyer will be able to help you understand the law, the facts of your case, and any potential defenses that may be available to you. If you aren’t familiar with how to hire a qualified lawyer, here is a good place to start. Below you will find potential questions to ask your DUI lawyer at your first meeting.

What is a DUI charge?

Whether you were caught driving with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) or arrested for being too impaired by prescription drugs to safely operate a motor vehicle, driving under the influence (DUI) charges are taken very seriously by the court system.

Can a DUI lawyer predict outcomes?

While a DUI lawyer can’t guarantee case outcomes, they can predict possibilities based upon the unique facts of your case and their own training and experience with DUI law. Be sure to ask you DUI lawyer these questions:

What is case management in DUI?

DUI DWI attorneys use the term case management to describe how they handle your case. It's important to know the logistics behind the scenes so that there are no misunderstandings. Some relevant questions to ask include:

Is it expensive to get arrested for DUI?

Being arrested for DUI can be expensive. Possible outcomes could include loss of your driver's license, increased insurance premiums, DUI school, fines, and possible jail time . And of course it costs money to hire a lawyer.

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION#N#Has your lawyer obtained and reviewed all "Discovery", including: police reports, witness#N#statements, video and audio tapes, photographs and other material provided through "discovery" by the Prosecutor? Has the attorney made copies of all of it and reviewed it with you? What is your attorney's evaluation of the evidence? What is the "worst evidence" against you? Has you attorney considered not only what evidence is there, but what evidence is not there (missing)? What physical or testimony evidence does the prosecution rely on open to challenge? Or what evidence does the DA not have that could mean dismissal of your case? Are there eyewitnesses that should be interviewed? What sort of defense investigation should be conducted to find that evidence to disprove your guilt?.

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?#N#Sometimes there are steps you can (and should) take which will dramatically lessen your sentence.

STRATEGY

STRATEGY#N#What is your lawyer's preliminary evaluation of the case against you? What defenses are available to you? What is the best defense strategy? What are the risks and benefits of strategy? Can your attorney mount a successful defense at trial or is it in your best interests to plea bargain?

COSTS

COSTS#N#How much defense investigation needs to be done, and what will it cost? Do you need to hire Expert Witnesses to testify for you at trial? How much will they cost? Is their testimony worth it? What is the time table preparing for trial; how long will the trial last and what will it cost?

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES#N#Are there any Sentencing Alternatives to standard Jail that you may be eligible for, such as electronic home detention, Sheriff's Work Program, Work Furlough, or community service? Are there any standard or creative Probationary Terms that are preferable to you which will satisfy the prosecution and court's concerns and allow you to receive a lesser sentence, easier to accept? Some clients want to avoid fines, others want to keep their driver's license, others want to avoid jail, and others who are not citizens, just want to remain in the U.S.

MOTIONS -- Legal Defenses (Due Process and your constitutional rights

CONCLUSION This case is not just any case; it’s your case! You deserve the best defense from an attorney who considers all of these questions.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

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Background

  • One of the most important sets of questions to ask your attorney concerns their background. For example, is this her first case or is she a DUI veteran? Obviously, the more experienced the attorney, the higher the possibility for a better outcome. Here are a few questions to ask your DUI lawyer: 1. How long have you been representing DUI clients? H...
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Special Training

  • Many times a DUI attorney will have specialized training or an advanced certification in DUI law. You might ask: 1. Have you ever been on a DUI ride-along with a police officer? 2. Are you certified by any DUI organizations such as the The National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) or similar state bar organization? Some states, such as Arizona, have a program where attorneys can get c…
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Fees

  • Right away, you’ll want to know how your DUI attorney will be billing you. Now is the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed. Most DUI lawyers offer a free initial consultation, but be sure to clarify payment terms before your first meeting. You may also want to ask the following: 1. In addition to your standard rate, are there a…
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Outcome

  • DUI lawyers, like all attorneys, don’t possess a magic crystal ball. While a DUI lawyer can’t guarantee case outcomes, they can predict possibilities based upon the unique facts of your case and their own training and experience with DUI law. Be sure to ask you DUI lawyer these questions: 1. Is a plea agreement a possibility? How about any motions such as a pre-trial motio…
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Get Legal Help with Your DUI Case

  • Facing a DUI is a very unsettling experience. For most people, it's their first, and hopefully only, contact with the criminal justice system. Knowing which questions to ask a DUI lawyer will help you decide which legal professional you should hire. If you've been charged with a DUI, contact a local DUI lawyertoday and start preparing your defense to the charges.
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