Well, let’s face reality here: Hiring a criminal or DUI attorney is a topic no one finds excited to study. Unfortunately, the situation takes place, and it is best that you can do is to be prepared beforehand with a strong strategy to reduce your pressure and stress in the time of crisis. Finding a DUI attorney who can represent you in a criminal or DUI proceeding can be disturbing, as you’re basically trusting your life on their experience. Before you decide who you want to hire a representative for your case before the court trial, do your due persistence and keep these 5 important questions in concentration:
Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation session to their clients, whereas some attorneys offer consultation sessions on a low cost. These consultation sessions determine if the attorney is willing to assist and support you to represent your case. However, you are not obligated to hire the very first DUI attorney you speak to if you don’t feel that confidence that they are the best fit to represent your case. While you may feel the burden that the time is running out, but if under time pressure, you make a bad choice of hiring an inexperience attorney your personal and professional life both will have major impacts. Take your time on consultations at different law firms than decides the best fit for your case.
Do they have Testimonials and References?
Just because their services are commercial doesn’t mean that they are the best DUI/criminal attorney for your case. It better that you ask them for references, moreover it is advisable to do research on the attorney/law firm yourself.
We mostly see that high profile DUI lawyers, are always on media but does that make them more reliable? Well, it is important that even if you are hiring a high profile attorney, you research about their knowledge and expertise, and study the outcomes of the cases that they have represented in the trials. Talk to their client if you can and gather more information about their way of handling a case, and their qualities and ethics as no case can be a win over only a big name in media.
Lawyer Previous Experience Handling Similar Cases like Yours?
Perhaps it is even more significant than attorney’s reputation whether they hold experience in similar cases. While it’s not unheard of a lawyer that’s inexperienced in cases similar to your, this is probably one of those times you don’t want to roll the dice. Try to find a DUI attorney that has experience with cases similar to yours.
Moreover, talk to them about what strategy they plan to use for your case in the court for the best outcome.
What is their Billing Process?
Don’t feel uncomfortable or weird, asking for a clear layout of the fees structure. It is important that you look into the billing process before you hire the attorney for your case representation. There are lawyers that may bill the clients on a flat fee, be paid via retainers, have an hourly rate, or a hybrid of all of these. It is important you make sure you that you have a clear understanding of what is the lawyers billing process and what does the bill covers. Moreover please check that the attorney does not charge you with some hidden charges.
How does the attorney communicate?
Lastly, but importantly how does your attorney communicate? Do you feel comfortable while communicating with them? While we know, the relationship is professional, but it is important that the attorney makes the client feel confident and comfortable as it helps the client to open up and trust their lawyer with all the information.
A lawyer should offer their client an open line of communication, and it should not be unresponsive and aloof, they should be active and available for their client’s concerns.
So, before handing over your life in the hands of a DUI/ criminal attorney, remember to ask all these highlighted questions and more. Be as clear as you can before you hire a representative. Good luck!