How to Find a DUI Defense Lawyer the Right Way
Come Up With a List of Potential Attorneys
There are a number of resources out there to help you in your search for the best DUI attorney. By seeking out personal recommendations and researching National Associations and State Bar Associations you can start filling up your list with some great attorneys to meet with. Like most major decisions in life, you will want to do your due diligence and research your options before choosing the right DUI attorney.
Personal recommendations: A good place to start your search is by soliciting personal recommendations from people you trust. A recommendation from someone who previously used the attorney's services is probably the best way to go. Your trusted friend or colleague can give you some good information about the overall process, how the attorney performed, and what the outcome was. You can also get an idea of what the total costs were in the end. Keep in mind that not every DUI case is the same and the information you receive from your friend is subject to change based on the facts of your case.
The attorney you used in another matter: If you have ever used an attorney for any other type of case he or she can also be a good resource. Attorneys can refer you to someone who specializes in criminal defense from their network of lawyers that they may know from law school or from their professional practice.
Determine Whether the Attorney is Qualified to Handle the Case
Not all attorneys are created equal. In order to find an attorney that is qualified to represent you in a DUI case, you will want to make sure they have the proper experience and knowledge.
In order to be licensed to practice law in your state, an attorney must pass a bar examination. There are also many specialty areas of law and not every attorney is specialized in criminal law defense.
When looking for a DUI attorney, it is important to ask about their experience with these types of cases. A lawyer who has been practicing for 10 years but only spent one year trying DUI cases is probably not the best option for you.
Look into National Associations and State Bar Associations
There are many organizations out there made up of attorneys who specialize in different areas of the law. Two great resources to check out are National Associations and State Bar Associations.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is a non-profit, professional association made up of criminal defense lawyers from across the United States. This is a great resource because you can search for an attorney by state or by name and find one that is qualified to handle your case.
Similarly, each state has their own bar association which will also have a list of qualified attorneys. The state bar association website will usually have a search feature where you can input your zip code and it will give you a list of all the attorneys in your area who specialize in DUI defense.
Meet the Attorney for an In-Person Consultation
The next step is to meet with the attorney for an in-person consultation. This is a great opportunity for you to ask more questions and get to know the lawyer better.
You should plan on meeting with the attorney for at least an hour. During this meeting, the lawyer will likely go over your case in detail and explain their strategy for defending you.
Make sure to take notes during this meeting so you can refer back to them later. You should also ask the attorney to send you a written copy of their agreement or contract.
After meeting with the attorney, you should have a good idea of whether he or she is the right fit for you. If you decide to hire the lawyer, make sure to sign a contract and pay the retainer fee. This will ensure that the attorney is officially representing you in your case.
Consider the Attorney's Fee Structure
When looking for a DUI defense lawyer, it's important to consider the attorney's fee structure.
Most DUI attorneys charge by the hour, but some may also work on a contingency basis. With a contingency basis, the lawyer will only get paid if they win your case. This can be a risky proposition for the lawyer, so most will only agree to this type of arrangement if they are confident they can win your case.
It's important to ask the attorney about their fee structure upfront so you know what to expect. You should also ask how many hours the lawyer thinks your case will take and get an estimate of how much it will cost.
You should never hire an attorney who is unwilling to disclose their fee structure.
Do You Need a DUI Lawyer You Can Trust?
With Lynn Gorelick you don't have to face criminal charges alone. You will receive personal attention to your case. Ms. Gorelick will be the one to appear in court with you from beginning to end. Ms. Gorelick, herself, will be doing your DMV hearings. You will not be handed off to another attorney or associate. You deserve this kind of attention to your needs at this stressful time. Ms. Gorelick has represented people charged with DUI for over 38 years. She has NEVER been a prosecutor who pursues convictions. She has only DEFENDED people accused of crimes. Contact us today for your consultation!
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