So, you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated. Where do you start looking for a qualified lawyer? Working with an experienced DWI attorney who can represent your interests and fight to protect your rights is crucial if you or someone you care about has been charged with driving while intoxicated. Assisting an attorney can help you get the best possible result in your case, but picking the right one can be difficult. Find out where to look for a skilled and experienced DWI defense lawyer who will fight for your rights and safeguard your future.
Avoid getting a DWI conviction by calling a reputable lawyer right away. If you know someone who has dealt with legal issues similar to yours, talk to them and see if they can recommend a lawyer. You could also check the yellow pages or contact your insurance provider for recommendations. After you have located at least one promising prospect via whatever means you deem appropriate, you should set up a meeting with them for a consultation.
Get yourself in meeting shape.
The first consultation with your lawyer should not cost you anything. Discuss all aspects of your case with them and make a decision as to whether or not you want to work with them after that meeting. Sign a contract outlining the terms of your representation, including any retainer fees, hourly rates, and other fees. Before signing any documents, you should check for any unexpected fees or stipulations.
Make a choice between a public defender and a private attorney.
If you are facing misdemeanour DWI charges, you may be eligible for a public defender. Considering that public defenders are typically underpaid, overworked, and less experienced than private attorneys, you may want to consider hiring an outside firm to represent you. Costing $200-$300 per hour, private attorneys are expensive but well worth it if they have experience winning cases similar to yours. Before choosing a lawyer to represent you, it is wise to speak with both corporate and criminal defence attorneys.
Expenses will change based on the location and standing of the company you choose to work with.
The price tags can be anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000. The best way to estimate the cost of a DWI case is to get quotes from several different law firms. While it’s true that receiving bids from multiple companies at once can be a bit overwhelming, it’s important to remember that price isn’t the only indicator of quality and that final costs will be determined by a number of factors, including the firm’s experience and reputation.
Picking the right attorney to represent you in a driving while intoxicated case is crucial.
Reviewing a lawyer’s past cases is the best way to determine their level of experience, as this will show you how they dealt with matters similar to yours in the past. Arrange meetings with multiple lawyers on the same day if possible; that way, you can compare notes afterwards.
Keep in mind that someone’s lengthy legal career is no guarantee that they will be successful in representing you in court. Public defence attorneys with less experience are more likely to advise accepting a plea bargain rather than going to trial.