Going to jail for drunk driving is no joke. It’s one of the most serious charges you can face, especially if you’ve been convicted. Do not let an attorney tell you to plead guilty to a DUI charge and serve time in jail when that attorney is just looking out for their financial interests rather than your freedom. Protect yourself and your future by getting help from an experienced attorney specializing in drunk driving cases.
While any lawyer can defend you, not all are capable of handling different DUI scenarios with the right approach. Some may know only a few cases and lack experience in other areas. And that’s why if you need DUI attorney in Phoenix, talk to Lane, Hupp, & Crowley Criminal Lawyers. But first, some tips on how to find the best DUI lawyer by yourself.
Do Research
You can find the best DUI lawyer by researching on the Internet in your area and reading reviews of their services. You should also look at their websites, read their blogs, and contact them directly if you have any questions or concerns. The more you know about the lawyer, the better you will make an informed decision when choosing one.
You can get in touch with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against the lawyers in your area. You can also look online at sites like Yelp or Angie’s List to see what people have said about different attorneys.
You can ask friends if they know someone who has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Once you have narrowed down your choices, make an appointment with each lawyer so that they can get a feel for what type of person they are working with.
Make a List of Local DUI Lawyers
You can search online or call law firms directly. If you’re not sure what category of lawyer you need, ask around with friends and family members first—they may have some good recommendations!
Once you have a list of potential attorneys, please review it and determine which ones specialize in DUI cases. For example, if your lawyer is also an accountant or works in real estate law, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to help you with your case. You’ll want someone who knows how to handle DUI cases.
Check Your Budget
Before looking for a DUI lawyer, it’s essential to ensure you have the money to pay for one. Ask friends and family if they know lawyers that offer discounted rates for clients who cannot afford them full price. You can also search online for reviews from previous clients or contact local bar associations that offer legal advice on how much each attorney charges per hour and other information about their services.
The cost to hire a DUI lawyer will vary depending on where you live, how long they’ve practiced DUI law, and what kind of experience they have. You may find that hiring a lawyer can cost $500 or more per hour.
Consider Qualifications
A DUI lawyer needs to have a solid foundation in the law and be able to navigate any situation that arises during a case. It means they must have studied the law and learned how to use it effectively. If you want your lawyer to be knowledgeable about the law, they must have at least an undergraduate degree in their chosen field of study.
Consider Experience of DUI Lawyers
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you must find an experienced attorney who can help you navigate through this process. Your lawyer must have experience in handling cases like yours so that they can give you sound legal advice from start to finish during this challenging time in your life.
The more experience they have, the better they can represent your case. Some DUI lawyers have been practicing for more than ten years, while others have only recently started their careers in this field.
Consider Their Process of Handling a Case
The process used by each attorney varies and can be determined by several factors. Some attorneys will handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid until you win your case.
Other attorneys may take a percentage of their fees upfront before beginning work on your case and then negotiate with you once it is finished. Some DUI lawyers will only take cases that involve multiple charges at once, while others do not.
They should outline in detail their process and also go ahead to highlight the pitfalls of the case.
Set Up an Interview
Pick several DUI lawyers from the list and arrange phone or face-to-face interviews.
Ensure you meet with someone successful at getting results on similar cases. When you meet with these attorneys, you should ask them questions about their success rate. It will help you determine which ones are more likely to be successful for you, which will help narrow down your list of potential candidates and make it easier for you to decide which is correct.
Here are more questions to ask when meeting a DUI lawyer:
- How many years of experience does the attorney have?
- Does the attorney specialize in DUI cases or just general criminal law?
- Does the attorney have any connections in your area? If so, can they refer clients to other lawyers that specialize in DUI cases?
You should consider what type of fees they charge for their services. Some attorneys might charge higher fees than others because they have more experience handling cases like yours. You should also consider if they offer free initial consultations.
Adaptability, a keen sense of urgency, and the ability to troubleshoot make the most successful DUI defense lawyer. Next time you look for a DUI lawyer, contact one with exemplary integrity and efficiency before engaging them. Although the price of the services may vary depending on the quality you choose to seek, it is always a worthy investment to be able to avoid criminal charges in favor of lesser penalties.