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The influence of drugs, medication, and alcohol is the second most common reason for fatal crashes. About 10% of all drivers are found driving under the influence (DUI).
If you were recently arrested for a DUI, it’s important not to handle the situation alone. Anything you do or say after your arrest can impact your future. Instead, hire an experienced DUI lawyer to take on your case.
With their experience and expertise, you can build your defense.
Not sure who to hire? Here are eight tips that can help you find the best DUI defense lawyer around. With these tips, you can feel confident in your lawyer’s abilities.
They can reduce your charges before your DUI arrest changes your life.
Start your search for the best DUI attorney in town with these tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
Do you know anyone who was recently arrested for a DUI offense? Talk to your friends, family members, and coworkers. They could point you in the right direction.
Take the time to learn about their firsthand experience. What was the outcome of their case? Was their lawyer knowledgeable, helpful, and trustworthy?
Make sure to ask your friend if they encountered any issues while working with their lawyer. If they did, ask how those problems were resolved.
If you don’t know anyone who hired a DUI defense lawyer in the past, that’s okay. Ask your inner circle if they hired a lawyer for another reason.
For example, maybe they were in a car accident. Perhaps they needed to draft their will. Ask what law firm they hired.
Then, determine if that law firm employs DUI lawyers, too.
If you hired a lawyer for another matter in the past, ask if they can refer you to a DUI defense lawyer. Then, ask about the lawyer’s:
- Demeanor
- Practice habits
- Courtroom reputation
- Code of ethics
- Communication skills
- Competence level
You could gather helpful information that’s not available online. Finding a lawyer with a strong professional reputation could save you time, too.
2. Check Their Credentials
If you can’t find a DUI lawyer through your inner circle, that’s okay. Google “best DUI lawyer near me” and make a list of choices. You can also check your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbel directory.
You can also look into the lawyers at Maillet Criminal Law to get started.
You’ll need to narrow down your options. After all, there are over 61,000 criminal lawyers in the US. While you’re online, learn more about each lawyer’s professional history.
First, make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in the state. Determine how long they’ve practiced locally, too. Some laws and procedures can vary based on where the charges were filed.
If their license isn’t up-to-date, scratch that DUI defense lawyer off your list.
Then, look for a DUI lawyer who is certified by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Look for lawyers who have completed training with the National Highway Safety Administration, too. Ask if they completed training on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Lawyers who have completed training in these areas will have the necessary knowledge to build your defense strategy. A lawyer without the proper credentials might struggle to build your case.
For example, a prosecutor will argue your BAC levels were over the legal limit when you were arrested. Your lawyer can argue the officer who conducted the test didn’t follow the proper procedures. They could get the evidence thrown out as a result.
Choosing DUI lawyers with the proper training will help you feel confident in their abilities.
3. Look for Experience
It’s not enough to find someone with proper training, though. Make sure they’ve used that training in real cases, too. Before choosing a DUI lawyer, consider their case experience.
Find a lawyer who has practiced law for at least a few years. Ask how many cases they’ve handled in that time. How many of those cases were similar to yours?
Finding an experienced lawyer will help you feel confident in their abilities. They’ll have an easier time building your defense.
4. Make Sure They’re Trial-Ready
You can’t anticipate whether or not your case will go to trial. It’s better to prepare for any situation. Make sure you find a DUI lawyer who has trial experience.
Some lawyers are nervous about going to court. They might even accept a plea deal.
Instead, ask the DUI lawyers on your list how many cases they’ve taken to trial. Ask about the outcome for those cases, too.
5. Consider Their Track Record
As you ask about the attorney’s recent cases, consider their track record. Were they able to help their clients?
Their track record can tell you more about their abilities. If the majority of their clients faced jail time, choose someone else.
6. Read Reviews
The next time you Google “DUI lawyer near me,” look for reviews. You can check the law firm’s Google My Business and BBB listings. Look for a lawyer with a strong professional reputation.
You might find one or two unhappy reviews. That’s normal. If the bad comments overshadow the good, scratch that lawyer off your list.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a case consultation with two or three lawyers on your list. Then, discuss the specifics of your case. Ask the lawyer what strategy they’ll use to build your defense.
Ask what outcome they expect for your case as well.
Choose a lawyer who speaks with confidence. Make sure they’re honest about the potential outcome for your case, too. You don’t want to choose an unethical lawyer.
They might do more harm than good when arguing your case.
8. Consider the Cost
Before the end of your consultation appointment, ask the lawyer about their fee structure. Some lawyers charge a flat rate. Others charge by the hour.
Make sure you know how they calculate your expenses.
Don’t choose your DUI defense lawyer based on price alone. Instead, choose someone who is capable of handling your case. If they help you avoid jail time, you’ll likely find their expenses were worth the cost.
Make Your DUI Defense: 8 Tips for Finding a DUI Lawyer
Finding the best DUI lawyer in town doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, use these eight tips during your search. With these tips, you can narrow down your options with ease.
You can find the best DUI defense attorney in town. With their help, you could potentially get your charges dropped.
Ready to get started? We’re here to help. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
