subject: Dui Attorney - The Questions You Should Ask [print this page] If you've been arrested on charges of driving under the influence, it is imperative to consider hiring a DUI attorney. The ramifications of a conviction on your record can be enormous. In some states, merely failing a breathalyzer test (or even refusing to take one) is enough to have your license automatically suspended. In the quest to rid the streets of those who aren't fit to drive, some believe that the rights of Americans have been trampled. Don't let yours be the next to fall under the steamroller. While no one is taking the position of advocating for drunk driving, it is a crime equally as terrible to treat citizens like statistics. If you have decided to hire legal representation, here are some of the questions you should ask.
How much experience do you have?
When hiring a DUI attorney, specific experience and ongoing education is the most important factor. For a variety of reasons, states change their approach to drinking and driving all the time. This means new laws, new procedures, and even new ways of handling those who have been arrested. You need a lawyer who is very familiar with the current laws in your state. Equally as important, however, is a lawyer who has been in practice for some time. Hiring a lawyer fresh out of school is a mistake every bit as great as hiring one who hasn't tried a case in 15 years.
Is my case unusual in any way?
While it doesn't matter so much whether or not your case is unique, it does matter if the DUI attorney you're talking to has never seen a case quite like it. This goes back to experience. If a lawyer seems as though he's in over his head or doesn't understand the elements at play, you might as well represent yourself. Make no mistake, going into court on drinking and driving charges is like no other type of charge. Courts are accustomed to hearing from the cops, giving the defendant a chance to speak, and then throwing out a sentence according to the book. It is an enormous uphill battle to have your case thoughtfully considered, and you need a lawyer who can fight that battle.
Will you be handling my case?
All of the questions in the world don't matter if the man you're talking to isn't actually going to be the one handling your case. This is a trick firms pull all the time, especially with clients or cases they don't see as particularly important (or profitable, sadly enough). If you are meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation, make sure you're talking to the DUI attorney who will be working on your case for the duration.
