Simple Tips on Choosing the Right DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is critical to hire the right DUI lawyer. This is a serious crime that comes with life-altering consequences, especially for repeat offenders. Depending on your state laws and regulations, DUI charges come with heavy penalties ranging from jail time and driving license suspension. Hiring a lawyer will help you navigate the complex DUI court process. How do you choose the best lawyer?
Have someone in the family arrested for drug posession? Find a lawyer with relevant experience in your type of case. You need to know what percentage of a lawyer's area of practice is based on DUI cases. It's best to consider a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases with many years of experience representing clients. Get to know how many DUI cases they have successfully litigated over the last few years. Experienced lawyers will use their skills and expertise to ensure that you get desirable results in your case.
Choose a lawyer who is familiar with your area. A Peters Associates LLC lawyer who has handled many DUI cases in the local court system where you have been charged would be your best choice. Locally established lawyers know the laws, rules and regulations that apply to your specific type of drunken driving case. Hiring a lawyer who is familiar with the way local judges and prosecutors handle cases will be of benefit to you. You should also consider asking for past client references so that you can get opinions about the lawyer's competence in handling DUI cases.
Arrange direct consultations with a few potential DUI lawyers. You don't want to hire a lawyer over the phone. Meeting lawyers personally will help you understand them better and also ask the right questions. The consultations are usually offered free of charge by most of them. Considering that you will be dealing with the lawyer until your case is resolved, you need to choose one who you can trust and get along with comfortably. Ensure that the lawyer explains the legal options you have and how your case will be approached.
Ask how much it will cost to defend you. A DUI lawyer should explain the fees to be charged and the costs that may arise as your case progresses. Although choosing a lawyer based on their charges is not advisable, you want to be sure that you can afford the fees charged. Make sure that you also understand the payment plans. Once you have made a choice, insist on having a written legal contract addressing every crucial detail about your case in a clear and understandable language before signing. You may want to read further about how to find the perfect lawyer for you here: http://hirealawyer.findlaw.com/choosing-the-right-lawyer.html.
