Many legal firms advertise that they represent DUI clients. And many lawyers are legally permitted to defend DUIs but the key point is "Who is the best person qualified to handle your case?" There are several ways to weed out the lawyers that may not be right for your case.
After contacting the lawyers on your preliminary list, it is important to arrange a meeting face to face with the actual person speaking on your behalf. The two of you will be spending some time together and your fate is in that person's hands. Obviously, you need to be able to work together. You do not have to like each other but you must co-operate with one another.
You may already have a lawyer that helped you sell a house or register a trademark but none of these lawyers are specialists in DUI. These lawyers may refer another lawyer but it is best that they personally do not work on your DUI case.
DUI is big competition. And some attorneys have taken the aggressive stand too far when trying to attract clients. If the lawyer guarantees a particular outcome, be wary. Each case will depend on the judge hearing the case. There is no way to predict what will happen in a DUI case. And even if the lawyer managed to get others "off", it does not mean he/she will get you "off.
The lawyer should have a serious background in DUI. The predominant part of his practice should be defending people charged with DUI.
After having met with the prospective candidate, you should know whether or not he has been able to help others. For example, has he/she actually gone to trial to fight for the clients or do the clients plead guilty and accept the terms. Any lawyer can go with you to court to plead guilty. The lawyer's reputation should be known for going to trial.
A successful DUI lawyer will be able to prove his successes.
A thorough DUI lawyer will know what to look for to bring sympathy to your case. For example, he may visit the scene to take pictures or to determine anything out of the ordinary. He will review documents to ascertain whether any of your rights have been denied or compromised. He will find expert witnesses on your behalf and generally he will know what avenues to take in order to have you found not guilty or guilty with a lesser punishment.
If your case is going before a jury, the lawyer must be believable and likeable. If he irritates people, he will irritate the jury and your fate might be sealed.
The lawyer should outline his payment structure up front and everything should be clear as to what is expected. Most likely a written contract will be drafted as well.
You must feel that this lawyer cares about you and you must have the confidence that he/she can do the job satisfactorily.
