Once you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, you may be at a loss for what to do next. You’ll want to contact a DUI attorney immediately. Here are seven questions to ask your potential DUI lawyer during your consultation. 1. Is the consultation included in your fee?
1. Is the consultation included in your fee?
Most lawyers don’t charge for their consultation. Ask about their fee and make sure that the consultation is not included. If it is, you’ll end up paying even if you don’t end up hiring him as your lawyer.
2. Do you have specialty training to handle my DUI case?
Often, DUI prosecutions take into account the field sobriety test that was performed when you were pulled over. If this happened to you, your attorney should know the tests that have been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and which have not.
3. Do you often appear in the court where I’m being charged?
It’s important to hire an attorney who has experience in the court where you’re being charged. The attorney will be familiar with the judges and policies of those specific courtrooms, which will give you an advantage.
4. How many DUI cases have you worked on?
Even with the right education and training, an inexperienced DUI lawyer may not be able to get you the best results. It’s important to hire an attorney that has experience handling DUI cases. Otherwise, your driving privileges, bank account and future happiness are all going to be at risk.
5. What are the realistic outcomes I should expect?
Never trust an attorney who only promises and prepares you for best-case scenarios. Your attorney should be upfront with you about both positive and negative outcomes. For example, when will you be able to regain your driving privileges? Is it likely that you’ll have an ignition interlock device installed on your car? Knowing what to expect, even if it’s not what you want, is important.
6. What is your communication policy with clients?
It’s common for attorneys to be busy and you shouldn’t expect them to return your calls immediately. However, they should get back to you at some point. Ask about their communications policy so that you know how available they’ll be to answer your questions and talk to you about the status of your case.
7. Will you be handling my case?
Sometimes you don’t meet the same attorney who will be handling your case. Before you make a decision about hiring an attorney, make sure you’re meeting with the actual person you’ll be dealing with and who will be assigned to your case. It’s important that you get along with your lawyer and that you trust them.
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