This is a good question because you're concerned and worried about losing your driver's license if you've got a DUI. You're worried about going to jail. You're worried about being put on probation. You're concerned about how it's going to affect your criminal record. So, you want to get an attorney that you feel comfortable with, and you feel like they know what they're doing and are going to bring you the best possible result for your DUI case.
So, where do you start? What types of things do you consider? I would say, first and foremost, it's crucial to get someone who practices in the court where your case is pending. Their familiarity with the court's procedures and the judges' and prosecutors' tendencies can be a game-changer in your DUI case.
They're going to be familiar with the judges and the prosecutors, and they're going to have a pretty good idea of what type of result you're looking at and how to do damage control on a DUI case. That's probably the most important thing. Get somebody who knows the courthouse where your case is pending.
Lawyer, You Feel Comfortable With
Another thing that I would key in is getting somebody you feel comfortable with. If you feel comfortable with the attorney, the prosecutors and judges will probably feel comfortable with that attorney. This comfort should make you feel at ease and understood during what can be a stressful and uncertain time.
That attorney will be the one directing your case, talking to the judge and prosecutor about it. If your attorney has a bad attitude, is not very likable, and is short with you, that will probably be projected to the judge and the prosecuted. You're going to need to be better represented.
I think that's probably the number one most important thing, in my opinion; having done this for 25 years, I negotiated myself with judges and prosecutors and saw my fellow attorneys negotiate with judges and prosecutors.
If the attorney is not likable, it will reflect on the client's case. So, you've got to get somebody local to the court, knows the court players, and is easy to deal with, friendly, and respected. This can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
DUI Lawyer with Experience
Then lastly, you have to get a reasonable DUI attorney. Someone who understands the ins and outs when there's an illegal stop, a violation of the client's Miranda rights, and a problem with the blood alcohol level. Experience is key in handling these complexities and potentially mitigating the consequences of your case.
In other words, not every single DUI, you're going to be able to fight it all the way and win because most of the time, let's be honest if they pulled you over and your blood alcohol level is over a .08, they're going to have a pretty good chance of getting a conviction.
The question becomes, what are you going to be convicted of? What impact is it going to have on your criminal record? What impact is it going to have on your driving record? These are essential things to consider. Having a reasonable attorney who can do damage control is crucial in getting the best outcome in a DUI case.
So, I think I've given you a good idea of what you need to look for when you're hiring an attorney. Do your investigation. Check out how long the attorney has been practicing. Figure out whether or not other clients have said good things about that attorney through online reviews. See if the attorney has videos out there to see how the attorney talks and get a vibe from the type of person.
Many attorneys are a little friendly, can't say much, and aren't good speakers. That's not the attorney that you want to handle your DUI case. You want somebody who can talk, represent your interests, and get you the best possible result.
