what to look for in a good dui defense attorney

by Prof. Delbert Goyette 8 min read

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

Here are some of the qualities that you need to look for in a DUI lawyer.
  • Extensive DUI experience and training. ...
  • A good track record in court. ...
  • A spotless ethical record. ...
  • Excellent communication skills. ...
  • Confidence. ...
  • Charges fees you can afford. ...
  • Must be local.
Feb 7, 2018

Full Answer

What is the best defense for a DUI?

The Best DUI DefensesSuspect Not Given Opportunity to Contact an Attorney during the DUI Investigation. ... Breath Alcohol Testing Can Be Inaccurate. ... Illegal Stop of Person or Vehicle. ... Field Sobriety Test is Inaccurate or Invalid. ... No Evidence of Suspect Driving Vehicle or Being in Actual Physical Control.

How do I hire the best DUI lawyer?

10 Tips For Hiring the Best DUI Lawyer in 2021Be Honest With Yourself About Your Circumstances.Do Not Try To Represent Yourself.Think Twice About Public Defenders.Start Forming Your List Of Potential Candidates.Take Advantage Of Free Consultations.Always Tell The Truth.More items...•Apr 13, 2021

What is an attorney called?

A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today's lawyer can be young or old, male or female.Sep 10, 2019

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.

Is a DUI attorney a criminal defense attorney?

Many times a DUI attorney is listed as a criminal defense attorney. And, while most defense attorneys are capable of defending those charged with DUIs, it is crucial you find an attorney with direct experience with DUI cases.

Is it normal to have a DUI attorney?

It is normal for successful DUI attorneys to have a large staff on hand. During your consultation, make sure to clarify who will be working on your case along with the head attorney. This way you know who to contact at all times, and who will be accessing your files.

Do you have to pay an attorney for a DUI?

Unless you have been appointed an attorney by the state , you will have to pay an attorney to handle your DUI case. And, it is no exaggeration to say that lawyers are expensive.

Is it Better to Get a Lawyer for a DUI?

It is always best to have legal representation on your side whenever you are arrested on any type of criminal charges, especially charges like DUI that can potentially complicate your life in many ways for years to come. If you do not get a lawyer, you run the risk of facing the full scope of possible penalties for your offense.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Lawyer for Drunk Driving?

While you should not delay obtaining legal counsel from an experienced Orange County DUI attorney, you should not rush your decision, either. Take your time and find a DUI lawyer who offers the skill, resources, and experience you would expect from a seasoned defense attorney.

What Questions Should I Ask My DUI Defense Lawyer?

Once you have met with a defense attorney, be sure to clarify anything you do not understand about your case with them. It’s also wise to develop several questions to help you gauge the DUI lawyer’s experience level and suitability to represent you.

Is It Worth Going to Trial for a DUI Legal Case?

A DUI conviction can lead to many negative outcomes, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and even professional consequences for some individuals.

Find The Best Orange County DUI Attorney To Hire Now

The sooner you secure legal representation when facing criminal charges for DUI, the more likely you will be to beat those charges or at the very least secure the lightest possible sentence for a DUI conviction.

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.

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.

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.

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 does a DUI lawyer do?

A great DUI lawyer understands the evidence in their client’s case. These lawyers know how to assess standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests. as well as chemical sobriety tests used to show the level of a suspect’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Why is it important to hire a DUI lawyer?

A DUI lawyer’s ultimate goal is to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. However, this is only possible if a prosecutor respects a defense attorney enough to negotiate a plea deal.

What is a non-standardized field sobriety test?

Non-standardized Field Sobriety Tests are often used by officers to prove whether they have “probable cause” to arrest a suspect for a DUI. These tests are not recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, and include:

Is a DUI a felony in Michigan?

That’s why you need the best Michigan DUI defense lawyer. In Michigan, a DUI – or in other terms, an OWI – is a misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether this is an individual’s first, second, or third offense.

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