Choosing a DUI lawyer to handle your case is important to making sure that the charge has the least amount of impact on your life.
Because every DUI lawyer is going to have their own sets of weaknesses and strengths,
there are a number of variables that can enter into choosing the right one for you. There are a few key things to keep in mind, however, when you're looking for someone to represent your best interests in court and beyond. Remember, you're choosing someone to protect your rights, choose carefully.
The first thing to remember is to never shortchange yourself, but don't assume higher rates equal better experience. One of the biggest mistakes that a person can make when looking for a DUI lawyer is going with the least expensive or the most expensive professional and assuming that takes care of things. Understanding that you are being charged with a very serious criminal offense and going from there to use more factors in judging your counsel is vital to your success. One good thing to bear in mind is that should you choose that bargain-rate professional and lose, the cost of the conviction may be much more than you would have paid for a more experienced professional in the first place. However, this doesn't mean you should assume that someone with higher rates or flashy ad campaigns will be the best for you. There are other things to consider.
This is where really researching the DUI lawyer will come into play. You may be a bit confused by everything you have been told by the media and even by the police. You may be feeling frightened and worried about the outcome. Yes, you do want to retain legal counsel as soon as you can, but you do not want to make a knee jerk decision in this. The best way to go about the beginning phase that will work the quickest is to sit down and write out the questions you will have. Be sure you talk with each professional about your options, how it's going to impact your personal and work life, as well as any other concerns you may have. An experienced professional will be able to not only answer all of your questions, but do so in a way that you understand.
Because every DUI lawyer is going to have their own sets of weaknesses and strengths, there are a number of variables that can enter into choosing the right one for you. There are a few key things to keep in mind, however, when you're looking for someone to represent your best interests in court and beyond.
Remember, you're choosing someone to protect your rights, choose carefully.
The first thing to remember is to never start shortchanging you, but don't assume higher rates equal better experience. One of the biggest mistakes that a person can make when looking for a DUI lawyer is going with the least expensive or the most expensive professional and assuming that takes care of things.
Understanding that you are being charged with a very serious criminal offense and going from there to use more factors in judging your counsel is vital to your success. One good thing to bear in mind is that should you choose that bargain-rate professional and lose, the cost of the conviction may be much more than you would have paid for a more experienced professional in the first place. However, this doesn't mean you should assume that someone with higher rates or flashy ad campaigns will be the best for you. There are other things to consider.
This is where really researching the DUI lawyer will come into play. You may be a bit confused by everything you have been told by the media and even by the police. You may be feeling frightened and worried about the outcome. Yes, you do want to retain legal counsel as soon as you can, but you do not want to make a knee jerk decision in this. The best way to go about the beginning phase that will work the quickest is to sit down and write out the questions you will have. Be sure you talk with each professional about your options, how it's going to impact your personal and work life, as well as any other concerns you may have. An experienced professional will be able to not only answer all of your questions, but do so in a way that you understand.
A good rule of thumb is to check out at least five firms or five professionals. Don't just go with the huge name firms, but also seek out smaller ones. Pay attention to things like caseloads and reputation, but also the way that the staff and professionals themselves treat you. Listen to your gut, as well. If your legal professional does not make you feel a bit more at ease while still realistically exploring your options, they're probably not the one for you.
Ultimately, you need to make a choice based on not only reputation and experience, but the professional that makes you feel the most comfortable. Though recommendations are good, you will still need to discuss things and shop around. These referrals are fantastic starting points but should never be how you make your final decision in the matter.
