How To Find Your DUI Lawyer

Being faced with a drunk driving charge is not only a very serious situation, but it can be quite scary. Those who end up with convictions stand to lose money, time, have their driver’s licensed revoked, and even face jail time. Insurance rates can sky rocket, and in many states, you must now lease a breathalyzer device for you vehicle…. that is if you’re afforded the opportunity to drive again. As such, it goes without saying that if you are charged with this offense, that you will want to find someone who is able to represent your best interests and fight to retain your rights. In this article, we will outline a few steps in helping you find your ideal DUI lawyer.

Step 1 – How much are you willing to pay an attorney for their services? Many quality DUI attorneys will cost at least $1,500.00 and up. In general, the higher the fee, the better the representation, though this is not always the case. Know your budget going into the process so you can better assess whether an attorney is even within your price range before making further considerations.

Step 2 – Talk with friends and family members who have benefited from the aid of a legal professional in the past. Word of mouth is often a wonderful way to find quality representation. Even if the lawyer you are referred to has no background in DUI cases, chances are that they can refer you to DUI lawyer who does.

Step 3 – Contact your local bar association to find attorneys in your area. You can even check on lawyer histories in order to view whether he or she has any past complaints.

Step 4 – Hop online and perform a basic search of attorneys in your area who specialize in the field. There are many sites online dedicated to reviews and ratings of attorneys. These can provide valuable insights into potential DUI lawyer candidates.

Step 5 – Once you’ve gathered a large list of candidates, pick out your top three and call each one to set up a meeting. Many law firms will offer the initial consultation as a free service. Use this as an opportunity to see how well you and the attorney interact with one another, and bring a list of questions for them to address. Relay all the details surrounding the case to better provide them with a good idea of what they will be dealing with, and take notes pertaining to how they plan to handle the case.

Step 6 – After your meetings, take a minute and sit down to evaluate the information from each consultation. By this time, you should have a fairly good idea of who you feel comfortable entrusting your case with. Be sure to weigh factors such as education, certifications, experience, pricing, and your overall gut feeling. Keep in mind that this individual will be fighting for your right to drive, and possibly much more. Go with the choice that makes you feel most confident.