Perhaps you are embroiled in legal issues you wish would simply disappear. Unfortunately, criminal charges do not go away unless you deal with them. A lawyer can assist you and is often the critical linchpin in your defense strategy. Here are a few tips to ensure that you find the perfect attorney to guide you through the courts.
Most lawyers should offer free or low-cost consultations to determine if they can provide service to potential clients. And while a lawyer may be persuasive and personable, keep in mind that you don’t have to retain the first one that you meet with.
Feel free to ask the lawyer to offer you references or testimonials to back up his or her promises. The best reference for a lawyer is his former clients. Ask your friends and colleagues on their opinion of the attorney and if they know someone who was represented by him or her.
Lawyers, like doctors or any other profession, gain expertise in particular fields. As such, not all attorneys know how to run a DUI defense case. You might be friends with a lawyer, but he or she cannot help you because they don’t handle DUIs or because they aren’t a criminal defense attorney.
Ask about how the attorney bills. Some attorneys will offer flat rate fees to handle your entire case, but that will cost more upfront. Other attorneys will bill based on attorney hours.
Finally, make sure that you are comfortable with your attorney. You need to feel comfortable with your attorney. Your lawyer will know you more intimately than many of your friends.
If you are facing a DUI/DWI charge, then you may want to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. These charges are manageable but only if you confront them head-on. A lawyer can help ensure that you are treated fairly by the police, prosecutors, and the court. It is very easy for any one of these entities to prosecute a case too aggressively to make an “example” out of you. Don’t let anyone deal with you unfairly.
