Getting involved in a DUI (Driving under Influence) or DWI (Driving while intoxicated) case can create quite an unpleasant scenario for you. When you are involved in this messy case, the only person who will be able to get you out of this mess is an experienced DUI attorney. When you are charged in DUI case, you will be required to pay an exorbitant amount towards fine. You will also be asked to attend training programs, alcoholic anonymous awareness sessions, and mandatory treatments and more – all of which can cost you a bomb.
If the accident has resulted in any death/deaths, you could be jailed as well. Therefore, being charged with a DUI case can be quite frightening and upsetting at the same time. This is why it is very important to choose the right criminal defence lawyer. Here are some points that you have to bear in mind while choosing one:
1. Start off the initial discussion with experienced potential attorneys
Check for the potential DUI attorneys in your locality by checking with local references. Get in touch with your friends who have previously availed the services of a DUI attorney for good leads. You can also check in groups like your respective state’s Bar Association, Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys in your area and the like. Choose a group of potential attorneys from these and have personal discussions with them to understand if they have represented any DUI/DWI cases previously in the court, their approach to work, success rate, fees and their overall professionalism & experience.
2. Local expertise
Choose an attorney who has ample knowledge about the local laws and regulations. He should have the license to operate in your state. This way, your attorney will be available whenever the judge announces the date of hearing of your case. Also, if your DUI attorney is quite famous enjoys a good reputation in your locality it can work to your benefit and help you get a reduced fine or sentence.
3. Honesty and transparency
When you are involved in DUI or DWI cases, you must know that the chances of you coming out unscathed (emotionally and financially) out of it are almost impossible. Hence, choose an attorney who is quite honest about your case and who keeps you prepared about the huge financial losses that you would have to experience at the end of the case. Fatal accidents guarantee you a jail sentence, and your lawyer should be brutally honest with you about that as well. Stay away from lawyers who promise to get you out of the DUI case, without a scratch.
4. Payment terms
DUI lawyers do charge you a hefty sum, but this is because they try to minimise your punishment and sentence as much as they can. Therefore, choose a DUI attorney, who spells out his payment terms clearly right during the first discussion, the instalments in which he expects them and the mode of payment preferred. Get these terms in writing, so that you don’t have to deal with unpleasant surprises in the form of hidden charges, later on.