November 5, 2024 | DUI
If you are charged with a DUI, you need to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. DUI charges can be surprisingly complicated to defend. If you are charged with a DUI, you could be facing significant jail time. One of the most important decisions in your case is choosing someone to represent you.
Below are eight tips for hiring a DUI lawyer to help you throughout this difficult process.
1. Research Candidates
The first step is to research your candidates.
You can create a list of potential criminal defense attorneys:
- Asking friends and family for recommendations
- Searching for DUI lawyers on the internet
- Relying on attorney referral websites
Once you identify candidates, you should take time to review their website. What is their experience? Do they have information about DUI cases on their website? These questions are important to inform your decision about whether or not a lawyer is the best fit for your case.
2. Come Prepared for the Initial Consultation
Most DUI lawyers offer a free initial consultation. This is an opportunity to learn about your DUI case and the attorney.
Many lawyers will have a list of items to discuss during the initial consultation. This information is helpful, but it can be overwhelming. You may have questions that you forget to ask. If you come prepared for the initial consultation with written questions, you are more likely to get the most out of the meeting.
3. Ask About Experience
Make sure that you ask your attorney about their experience. Not just their experience handling criminal cases but DUI cases specifically. DUI cases are highly technical, and just because someone practices criminal law doesn’t mean they have the experience necessary to win your case.
4. Talk About Prior DUI Case Outcomes
Even if someone has handled hundreds of DUI cases, you need to know the outcome of the cases. Some lawyers encourage all of their DUI clients to take a plea bargain, while others are prepared to fight for their clients at trial. You don’t want to get stuck with a lawyer who tries to plead you out when you have a viable defense.
5. Look At Client Testimonials
Many lawyers have reviews and client testimonials listed on their websites. This is a great starting point for getting an idea of whether or not there are satisfied clients. Reviews often include information on how an attorney likes to work and whether or not they went to trial.
However, you should also look at secondary sources that are less likely to be biased. For example, Google Reviews, Avvo, and lawyers.com may have additional information.
6. Be Honest About What Happened
Even the best attorney can only help you if you are honest about what happened. Your lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege, even during the initial consultation. They can’t tell anyone what you say once you walk into their office.
You need to be honest with your DUI attorney and yourself about the facts leading up to the DUI. After you tell your story, the prospective lawyer can give you candid legal advice. Then, you can decide if they are the best lawyer for your case.
7. Choose Someone You Trust
Ultimately, you need a DUI lawyer that you can trust. It doesn’t matter if the DUI lawyer has the most experience or is highly regarded, if you are uncomfortable with them then you’ll face obstacles in your case. You should always follow your gut and if you don’t trust someone, don’t hire them.
8. Move Quickly
The most important tip for hiring a DUI lawyer is to move quickly. After getting arrested and charged with a DUI, the police and prosecutors are actively investigating the case. Every day that you are unrepresented is a day that you are falling behind. The best way to protect yourself is to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
A DUI Lawyer Can Help With Every Aspect of Your Case
If you are charged with a DUI in Lexington, KY, call a DUI lawyer to schedule an initial consultation today. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, develop a case strategy, and advocate on your behalf.
Contact the Lexington DUI Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the DUI attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507