Depending on the nature of your arrest, the immediate consequences of receiving a DUI conviction can be severe. For example, if an individual was hurt or killed due to driving under the influence, you will be facing severe civil penalties. In addition, a vehicular manslaughter charge may also be added to your DUI charge.
Having a DUI on your file will make it arduous for you to find a job, especially one that would require driving as part of your primary job description.
Also, a DUI conviction will increase your auto insurance premiums. Thus, it will be more expensive for you to drive and maintain your auto insurance once your driver’s licence is reinstated.
It pays to know your rights, and it’s essential to understand how to secure representation from a reasonable DUI attorney. So, when you are charged for driving under the influence (DUI), time is of the essence. Thus, you need to make sure that you have a legal representative as soon as possible.
When you are looking for someone who will defend you, you need to be very thoughtful about your options. It would be best not to hasten your decision when hiring a DUI lawyer because having an excellent legal representation can make or break your case.
Three Important Factors To Consider
You might first ask your family and friends when it comes to finding the best family law for you. Then, to make things faster, you may also search online. But, with too many options, you may find yourself more confused than ever.
So, here are the top three factors you need to consider when choosing the DUI lawyer who will represent you.
Experience
A lawyer’s experience in defending DUI cases is a significant factor you need to consider. Ensure that the legal team on your side has extensive experience handling civil and criminal cases. In addition, you need to choose a lawyer who takes a client-focused approach.
These are the kinds of lawyers who can understand you and your case the most since they already have the experience, knowledge, and skills required to defend those charged with DUI violations properly.
Fees
Most of the time, this is the determining factor whether individuals will seek free legal representation from public defenders or if they would instead choose a private criminal defence team.
Public defenders are great attorneys. However, they cannot provide the same level of personal attention you can expect from having a private criminal defence team, so you might ask, how much does a good DUI lawyer cost?’
Well, it will depend on the severity of your case. So, to check on how much you will have to pay, it would be best to take advantage of their free consultation services.
Collaboration
A good lawyer knows how to work with expert witnesses and other investigators. They are willing to go the extra mile, and they will go out of their way as long as it helps their client’s case.
A DUI conviction can have a massive impact on your life. Therefore, the goal is to have an excellent legal representative on your side to help alleviate the stress caused by your current situation. So, when looking for a DUI lawyer who will represent you, you must find a committed, transparent, responsive legal team.
There are so many downsides if you do not have an excellent legal representative on your side, and here’s a list of the possible repercussions you might experience:
- You will have to pay hefty financial penalties
- Your driver’s licence will be suspended, which can interfere with your ability to earn money.
- There’re a lot of social consequences that may interfere with your future living arrangements.
Additional Tips
Aside from the three non-negotiable factors listed above, here are some additional tips you can use when choosing a DUI lawyer.
Reviews
Lawyers and law firms are now using the power of technology, and thanks to the internet, they can directly market themselves to a broader audience. At the same time, many clients now post their experiences with lawyers and law firms online.
Therefore, it’s an excellent way to filter your options by looking at the online reviews of lawyers and law firms from past clients. Doing this will help you limit your search for the most reliable and successful DUI defence attorney in your area.
Consultation
Many lawyers and law firms now offer free consultations. Some do this online, and some do this by installing a toll-free number. When you take advantage of the free consultation services they offer, you can better understand how they will handle your case, which will help you decide if they are the best fit for you or not.
Confidence
Find a legal representative who can provide you with a transparent and honest interpretation of your current legal positioning, including the details of the charges against you. Choose someone who can offer close communication regarding every detail of your case.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone close to you is facing a DUI charge, it is crucial to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Find someone who is ready and able to accept your case and can help you better understand the defences available for you.
