what to look for in a dui attorney

^{14 Things to Look for in a Good DUI Attorney:}

• Practices exclusively Criminal Defense
• Does mostly DUI or traffic cases
• Clearly explains their policys and fees for appeals.
• Contract promises to help you with post conviction programs
• Returns your phone calls promptly and is easy to get a hold of
• Always make time to meet with you
• Gets along well with the judges and prosecution
Is confident and assertive
Has no ethical complaints filed against her
Will not “delegate" your case to someone else
Will listen carefully and answer all of your questions
Empowers you to make your own decisions instead of telling you what you should do.
Organized and detail oriented (How does her office and appearance look?)
Honest and trustworthy

Full Answer

1. Does Your Lawyer Have an Office?

An office indicates that your lawyer is established in the community. He or she has a lease or mortgage on the property, has contracts with utility companies, has invested in technology (phones, computers, printers, scanners, copiers, etc.), has access to a law library (law books or online research) and may have support staff.

2. Does Your Lawyer Provide a Written Retainer Agreement?

A written Retainer Agreement or Engagement Letter sets forth the scope of the legal representation as well as the financial terms of the attorney-client agreement. Know how the lawyer charges – flat fee, hourly rate, by the court appearance, by the task (motion/trial), or otherwise.

3. Will You Have Access to Your Attorney?

When you hire an attorney, it is likely to be for a matter that will be somewhat foreign and complex, with unique ramifications to the client. All of your questions are not likely to be answered in a single meeting.

4. Does Your Attorney Have the Necessary Experience?

Age alone does not equate to experience as some lawyers attended law school when they were older. Ask your lawyer how many years they have been licensed as an attorney, what State or Federal jurisdictions have issued them licenses and how long they have practiced law.

5. Does Your Attorney Have a Good Courtroom Demeanor?

Your attorney represents your interests in court and should have a good courtroom demeanor.

A Specialty in Fighting DUIs and DWIs

Fighting a case in court may be what defense lawyers spend so many years learning how to do. But that doesn’t mean that every court case is created equal.

Proven Success in Court

A deep understanding of the ins and outs of DUI charges is important. But so is proven success in fighting such cases.

Open Communication Channels

The best DUI defense attorney is one that’s not only experienced and successful, but also easy to reach.

Choosing the Right DUI Defense Attorney

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, choosing the right DUI defense attorney can make all the difference.

Why do criminal defense attorneys make mistakes?

Most of the mistakes made by criminal defense attorneys happen because those attorneys are too busy or too lazy, not because they are inexperienced or incompetent. Your attorney needs to have all the facts about the case and understand how the various consequences of a DUI will affect you. There is no substitute for spending time talking with your attorney. If you do not feel like you have had enough time to talk, get another attorney.

What is the second biggest complaint I hear from defendants?

The second biggest complaint I hear from defendants is that their attorney does not care . Criminal defense can be a very emotionally demanding profession, and many attorneys have become extremely callused and jaded. They just stop caring.

Is an attorney good?

The attorney you hire is only as good as the contract you sign, which will spell out what the attorney will and will not do for you. Most attorneys stop representing you as soon as you walk out the courtroom doors.

What happens before a DUI trial?

Before you go to trial, your attorney will have a chance to talk the prosecution into giving you everything you want. Most DUI cases are resolved between the DUI attorney and the prosecution without ever going to trial. Unlike trial, negotiations with the prosecutor are all about people-skills.

Do law firms have partners?

Law firms have big partners who draw in the clients, and they have disposable associates who do the work. Make sure you know who is going to do your work, not who is going to supervise them. Many clients pay big bucks to an attorney who just outsources her case to an associate. Interview all people who will be doing work on your case before signing any contract.

Knowledge of Forensic Evidence

Other Evidence That May Be Challenged

A DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You Negotiate

• What if you feel your case is rather straightforward? You were definitely under the influence when you were pulled over and you don’t deny it. Now, you simply want to pay the penalty and move on with your life. That last bit is key. If you truly want to move on with your life, it’s important that you hire a DUI defense attorney who can negotiate th...

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