If you've been charged with a DUI, it may be necessary to hire a DUI attorney. They can protect your rights and possibly lessen the punishment of this charge. As long as you remember these tips when hiring said professional, you can improve your odds of coming away with a favorable legal outcome.
Assess Level of Commitment
One of the most important attributes to assess in a DUI attorney is commitment. How hard is this attorney willing to work to help you receive a better outcome when facing such a serious driving charge?
The only way to really assess a DUI attorney's level of commitment is to talk with them in person. Set up a consultation and take time to ask them questions about your case. See if they answer with a high level of enthusiasm and really empathize with what you're going through. If they do, that's a good sign the attorney will work hard at building an effective defense.
Ask About Rates
A huge determining factor for which DUI attorney you go with is the rate they charge. These rates vary from attorney to attorney, so you should ask about them before getting too far along in this legal process.
Have various attorneys outline their prices and whether they work by the hour or the total costs are added at the end once the attorney knows the result of the case. Just make sure you find an attorney with rates you can truly afford, even if that means setting up a payment plan with them.
Review Outcome History
You'll have a pretty good idea of the quality of legal help you're receiving from a DUI attorney by looking into their outcome history. What results has this attorney been able to achieve for clients in the same position as yourself?
You can find this data out by accessing legal directories. There should be information about an attorney's past cases, especially if they've ended up in court. Ideally, you want an attorney that wins way more cases than they lose. This lets you know the attorney is competent and knows exactly what they're doing.
If you've been charged with a DUI, that doesn't mean your days of driving are over. You just need to respond carefully. One way of doing this is by hiring a DUI attorney. There are plenty of resources and tips that can make this hiring process stress-free, thankfully.