When you're dealing with a DUI and navigating through websites, search engines, and other resources to find an attorney, it's crucial to arrange a consultation. This initial step is significant as the attorney you're consulting with will play a pivotal role in your case.
You don't want to consult with somebody, and all that person is a seller of DUI services, but that person doesn't do any DUIs. Does that even make any sense to you? Why would you want to get representation from someone who is using someone to talk to you to sell you on a case, and that person has nothing to do with doing the DUIs? How would they know what's happening in the courthouses across LA County related to DUIs if all they do is DUI consultations?
I conduct consultations at my firm for the most part, and I also appear in court for DUI cases. I can't be everywhere at once. Fortunately, my father shares the same name as I, and he has been an attorney for forty years, which helps. I have other attorneys who allow me to cover such a vast area as Los Angeles County, but I'm personally involved in all the cases. I'm reviewing the police reports. I'm talking to the clients. I speak to the prosecutors. I strategize the issue and determine precisely what it will take to achieve the best result.
So, when discussing a consultation, ask, "Will I meet with the attorney who, if I pay them and hire them, will handle my case?" Otherwise, I would prefer to avoid meeting with this attorney.
Another thing is that when you're doing consultations over the phone related to a DUI, you have the same issue. Who am I talking to? Are you the attorney who will be handling it? Are you someone who has knowledge about DUIs and the case, and can provide me with some valuable information about the topic?
Face-To-Face Meeting
I always tell my office manager, and I try not to do it either, to avoid quoting DUI cases over the phone because some people who are unfamiliar with DUIs and the criminal justice system receive multiple quotes over the phone. Then, based on that, they conduct face-to-face consultations.
Wait a minute, though. If you're doing it like that, many cheapskate attorneys who have no experience and don't mainly do DUIs as part of their practice could underquote because they don't know anything about it. They're trying to break into the business.
Underquoting by inexperienced attorneys can be risky. While it may seem like a good deal, these attorneys may lack the experience and knowledge to effectively handle your case. They may not know how to deal with prosecutors or be familiar with court procedures, potentially leading to poor representation and negative outcomes for your case.
Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer
When conducting these consultations, it's essential to ask some questions before you begin the discussion. Who am I meeting with? What kind of background does this person have? What type of background does this firm have? Check them out.
Before your consultation, it's important to prepare thoroughly. Check the reviews. Come to the discussion armed with a list of questions. Ask the person how long they have been doing DUIs. How well do they know the courthouse? What do they think they can do to help you? Tell them about your case. Be honest with them. This preparation will empower you and ensure a productive consultation.
During the consultation, it's not just crucial, it's your responsibility to be honest about your case. Providing accurate information enables the attorney to form an informed opinion based on facts, which is crucial for a successful consultation.
You have to make sure you're sitting in front of somebody for a consultation which is an attorney who goes to court, does DUI cases, knows how to win them, knows when it's time to plea bargain and resolve them, knows when they should be dismissed, knows how to deal with a DMV hearing, knows how to check calibration records. All these things need to be discussed when you go in for a DUI consultation with an attorney in Los Angeles County.
So, when I conduct these consultations, you call me. You either speak to my office manager or me. We set up the appointment. We go over everything. We'll discuss this with you. We provide you with an idea of what we can do to assist you, what challenges you're facing, and what you can do to help us.
After a successful consultation, you'll have a clear understanding of your case and the potential outcomes. We will provide you with a quote for what we believe is a reasonable price. If you decide to hire us, we will begin working on your case immediately. This successful consultation will leave you feeling reassured that you're in good hands and on the path to the best possible representation for your DUI matter.