After a long, arduous day at work, it is only normal to want to relax with a drink or two. Driving while intoxicated is dangerous, even if you’ve only had one drink. It is also a crime that has serious penalties, including losing your license, going to jail, or even worse, getting a lifelong criminal record.
A police officer will charge you with DUI if you are stopped while driving, and it is determined that you are intoxicated. That’s when you need an affordable DUI lawyer!
Why is a Reputable Attorney Required for a DUI Charge?
If you don’t believe that a DUI accusation is a serious matter, you need to be aware of the repercussions if you are found guilty.
Any of the following punishments are possible:
- License suspension.
- Heavy fines.
- Serving time in prison, attending required drug and alcohol education seminars, and using an ignition interlock device.
Even if it was a first-time crime, these punishments can still be applied.
When all of these factors are taken into account, it is clear why hiring a competent but reasonably priced DUI attorney is essential. Your lawyer may be able to get the charges against you dropped or greatly reduced.
Tips for Getting DUI Lawyer Legal Help
The majority of the time, those who have been accused of DUI won’t look for qualified counsel simply because they can’t afford it. This guide will assist you in locating reasonably priced attorneys without sacrificing the caliber of the legal representation you receive.
Request Recommendations
Find out from someone you know and trust who has used criminal defense. Ask them about their experience working with the criminal defense firm, the strength of the DUI defense, the nature of the DUI conviction, and whether the attorney offers a free initial consultation. In addition, check for endorsements on their website and from outside sources.
Referral Service for Lawyers
Most likely, there is a legal referral service in your state. It might assist you in locating reasonably-priced lawyers. These attorneys typically provide a set number of hours to clients who cannot afford a defense DUI lawyer at market rates.
They can give you large savings, and occasionally they might even let you pay nothing. However, you cannot anticipate these lawyers giving you extra time. They will need to share their available time among several similar consumers.
Law Firms
A smaller business should handle your matter, if possible. A well-known criminal defense business may not always be a bad thing, but a big firm’s legal staff may occasionally be overworked and overbooked with numerous criminal defense cases.
It might not treat your issue with the attention to detail that it needs. Working with a smaller firm that can provide your case with more individualized attention is preferable.
Be Open About Any Criminal Charges You May Have
Most DUI clients are ashamed and tend to be secretive. By being open with your attorney, they will be able to evaluate your situation and come up with the best DUI defense plan, perhaps even helping you to get your DUI charges reduced or dropped.
So, What to Look for In A DUI Attorney?
Make sure you choose the best DUI attorney if you plan to hire one. The following are some indicators that you’ve chosen a qualified DUI affordable lawyer:
- A law school diploma from an ABA-approved institution.
- A clean, ethical record without any disciplinary actions.
- A high rate of success in assisting DUI clients to lessen or avoid punishments.
- An active license to practice law in the state where the DUI occurred (you can get more information about these requirements on the website of your state’s bar association).
- Vast experience and training in DUI. Through the National College for DUI Defense or the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, you can locate attorneys who specialize in drunk driving cases.
- Testimonials and references from previous clients who were satisfied.
Examining an attorney’s LinkedIn page and reading internet reviews might reveal a lot about them. However, nothing can replace speaking with a lawyer in person to ensure that you are happy with their strategy for handling your case.
What to Ask DUI Attorneys
There are a few important things to ask any potential DUI lawyer legal help in order to determine whether they are the best choice to defend you. They consist of the following:
- What charges do you make, and how are they determined?
- What percentage of your practice is focused on DUI cases?
- In the last two years, how many DUI cases have you handled?
- What approach would you suggest using in my case?
- What result do you anticipate for me?
- Will you personally handle a significant portion of my DUI case?
- How successful have you been in assisting clients in avoiding conviction, enrolling in deferral programs, or entering a lesser offense?
Additionally, you must provide all paperwork pertaining to your DUI, including the police report. Additionally, you must be honest about the details of your case so that your prospective attorney can explain to you the strategies they would employ on your behalf.
