Choosing A DUI LAWYER - 2
If you are facing a DUI charge then you have a lot of questions you need answers to. Not only do you need to hire an attorney, you need to find one, and one you can afford. If you are one of the many millions of Americans who has a modest income, you probably feel overwhelmed when it comes to hiring a lawyer. Some lawyers charge a flat rate but others may charge by the hour. You may be asked to pay a retainer, which is an advanced fee for the lawyer's services. You may be charged extra fees for each day of a trial or need to pay fees for your lawyer to review the police report. You want to find an attorney who will give you a written fee agreement before you hire them. If your case requires more time or work on your lawyer's part, the fee could go up.
All these circumstances depend on the attorney you hire so the most important step is finding the right one. This is where a lot of your questions need to be answered. Find out if an attorney offers free consultations so you can have your questions answered. Many reputable lawyers do not offer free consultations because they are much too busy to offer their time for nothing. This doesn't mean they wouldn't care about your case, in fact, if they are too busy to sit down with you for a consultation then they must being doing something right!
Whether or not you pay for your consultation, here are some questions you may want to ask. Are they experienced in DUI defense? You'll want a lawyer comfortable with the laws regarding your case. Will the lawyer you are speaking with be handling your case or will another associate be assigned to your case? You will want to know who you working with and if you are comfortable with that attorney. Just because they work in the same law firm doesn't mean they have the same tactics or that you will get along with each lawyer in that firm. Will you be kept updated on all the proceedings of your case? It is important to be aware of what is happening with your case. You do not want any surprises when it comes to the conclusion of the case.
You will also want to ask for references. If you are going to pay for services rendered, you'll want to get the best for your buck. You don't want a lawyer who may have rubbed certain judges the wrong way because that could mean bad news for you. Do they seem competent in DUI-related defense? Have they had good outcomes with similar cases as yours? Questions you'll want to ask yourself are whether you feel good about the attorney you are speaking with. Remember, honesty is the key. If you expect the best defense from your lawyer then you need to be as honest as possible with them about the circumstances you are faced with. In return, they should be honest with you about all aspects of the case.