Getting a drinking and driving offense can be a life changing event. While getting a DUI or DWI is not always about you making mistakes - as you may be innocent - the seriousness of the charges makes hiring an experienced DUI lawyer crucial. And when you hire a lawyer, it's important to spend some time looking into his/her experience in helping clients with problems like yours. Some key findings can be made by asking some simple questions. Let's go over some important questions you can ask.
Do You Specialize in DUI Law?
You want a lawyer who specializes in DUI law, and who has a volume of experience in helping clients just like you. While some lawyers do a "little of everything," you want one who specializes in handling DUI charges. That means they must handle DUI charges on a monthly if not weekly basis. They must have experience in handling the prosecution, in making statements to a judge, in questioning the arresting officers, in questioning the validity of things like blood and breath tests. If a lawyer has no experience in actually helping others defeat DUI charges, how can he or she actually help you?
How Much Do You Charge?
Experience is more important than price, but let's face it: you can't afford every lawyer. That means finding out prices upfront very important. Just as you would not want the cheapest doctor to work on your heart, you should consider paying for value. On the other hand, paying $20,000 for a comprehensive defense with assistants and research may be pushing your budget. Strive for balance, pay what you can afford, and consult with more than one lawyer. Instead of only looking at a single lawyer, or the cheapest lawyer, make an informed decision by looking at 5-10 experienced DUI lawyers.
How Can You Help In this Case?
You also want to ask prospective DUI lawyer how he/she can actually help in your case. It may be the fact that the breathalyzer test was used incorrectly. The arresting officer could have abused your rights, such as hitting you or lying to you. There may be witnesses to an accident, explaining you had no liability and did not appear intoxicated. In other words, you always have some options in DUI defense, even if it means you will be charged.
What is My Best Scenario?
You want your lawyer to help as best he or she can, but be frank: you may be guilty. First, guilt does not mean you deserve the full amount of charges. Second, guilt does not mean you have to plead guilty. And finally, guilt does not mean there weren't other things that occurred. You always have more options than you might think when it comes to a DUI defense. The important thing is to have a lawyer honest with you, to be clear on what charges to expect, and to be ready to move on when this is over.
Jacob Malewitz recommends http://www.duiattorneyhome.com for DUI advice and defense. They offer a free DUI case review.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Malewitz
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Five Tips For Hiring a DUI Lawyer
This article will provide some guidelines for hiring an attorney to represent you in a DUI case. The most important thing that you can do when speaking to a DUI defense lawyer is to ask questions. Do not let your embarrassment, or the attorneys attitude, stop you from doing so. Asking questions is important for two reasons. One, you can't make an informed decision about who will represent you without fully understanding what you are facing and how that person might handle your case. Second, whether an attorney is willing to patiently answer all of your questions can tell you a lot about that person. If he (or she) will not answer your questions before you hire him, he likely will not do so when he already has your money and you are standing in court. The risks of jail time, license suspension and a potential criminal record are too high to make decisions without understanding why you are doing so.
You should beware of any attorney who makes guarantees to get you to hire him. For example, if he tells you that if you hire him he will beat the case or can guarantee a particular plea agreement. The criminal justice system is made up of people - Police Officers, Prosecutors and Judges etc. Therefore, it can, and usually will, be very unpredictable and no outcome can be guaranteed in advance. An experienced DUI defense lawyer will tell you what the most likely outcomes will be if you make certain choices like entering into a plea agreement or going to trial.
You should be concerned if an attorney just tells you what you have to do with your case. For example, he tells you must plead guilty or take a particular program. A DUI attorney should use his experience and training to give you their best advice under the circumstances of your case (those circumstances might not just include the facts of your case but other factors like which Judge you are assigned to). However, he should also tell you what all of your options are not just the option that he advises. At the end of the day, the attorney is going to go home no matter what. You are the one whose freedom is at stake, and therefore, you should be the one to make the final decision based upon all of your choices. To clarify, I am not suggesting that you shouldn't listen closely to an experienced DUI Lawyer's opinion, but that you should be made aware of all of your options before deciding which course to take.
You should closely question any attorney regarding their experience. Does he defend DUI cases full time? If not, what percentage of his cases are DUI's and how many has he handled? Just as importantly, what geographic areas does he have experience in? For example, every County in Pennsylvania has its own rules and regulations. Further, every Judge has their own way of doing things. If a lawyer is not very familiar with the Judges and rules in the area where you were charged you will be the one to suffer the consequences of that inexperience.
A DUI Lawyer should be willing to tell you up front what his fees will be under every circumstance. For instance, how much will the fee be if you plead guilty? If you need to have motions filed and/or proceed to trial? He should also be willing to give you a written fee agreement at the time you hire him. This will protect you as the case progresses through the system. Nothing will undermine the attorney-client relationship faster than you feeling that your attorney is stealing from you. I should note that while most DUI defense lawyers work on a fee per case basis (this means they can tell you in advance what a plea or trial will cost) a few bill by the hour. If you choose to hire an attorney who does so make sure that he will keep you regularly updated as to the cost. This way you won't be taken by surprise by a huge legal bill when the case is over.
Finally, beware of high pressure sales tactics (yes, just like when buying a car). If a DUI attorney tells you that you must pay now or lose the chance to hire him you should be concerned. Who will represent your legal rights is a very important decision. You should have the opportunity to talk to several lawyers if necessary until you are comfortable with your choice. You should have complete confidence in the person that you hire to fight for your rights.
In conclusion, the five things that your should keep in mind when hiring a DUI lawyer are; 1) Beware of guarantees; 2) The Lawyer should advise you not order you; 3) The attorney should be experienced in DUI defense and in the geographic area where you were charged; 4) The attorney should be willing to give you a written fee agreement; 5) Do not fall for high pressure sales tactics. Hopefully, this information will help you to hire the right DUI lawyer for you.
Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer George A. Heym is a former Prosecutor who now defends those charged with DUI in Western Pennsylvania.
A DUI Help Site
It has a copy of the DUI Laws from every state, DUI Help Articles as well as a DUI Help Forum.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Heym
You should beware of any attorney who makes guarantees to get you to hire him. For example, if he tells you that if you hire him he will beat the case or can guarantee a particular plea agreement. The criminal justice system is made up of people - Police Officers, Prosecutors and Judges etc. Therefore, it can, and usually will, be very unpredictable and no outcome can be guaranteed in advance. An experienced DUI defense lawyer will tell you what the most likely outcomes will be if you make certain choices like entering into a plea agreement or going to trial.
You should be concerned if an attorney just tells you what you have to do with your case. For example, he tells you must plead guilty or take a particular program. A DUI attorney should use his experience and training to give you their best advice under the circumstances of your case (those circumstances might not just include the facts of your case but other factors like which Judge you are assigned to). However, he should also tell you what all of your options are not just the option that he advises. At the end of the day, the attorney is going to go home no matter what. You are the one whose freedom is at stake, and therefore, you should be the one to make the final decision based upon all of your choices. To clarify, I am not suggesting that you shouldn't listen closely to an experienced DUI Lawyer's opinion, but that you should be made aware of all of your options before deciding which course to take.
You should closely question any attorney regarding their experience. Does he defend DUI cases full time? If not, what percentage of his cases are DUI's and how many has he handled? Just as importantly, what geographic areas does he have experience in? For example, every County in Pennsylvania has its own rules and regulations. Further, every Judge has their own way of doing things. If a lawyer is not very familiar with the Judges and rules in the area where you were charged you will be the one to suffer the consequences of that inexperience.
A DUI Lawyer should be willing to tell you up front what his fees will be under every circumstance. For instance, how much will the fee be if you plead guilty? If you need to have motions filed and/or proceed to trial? He should also be willing to give you a written fee agreement at the time you hire him. This will protect you as the case progresses through the system. Nothing will undermine the attorney-client relationship faster than you feeling that your attorney is stealing from you. I should note that while most DUI defense lawyers work on a fee per case basis (this means they can tell you in advance what a plea or trial will cost) a few bill by the hour. If you choose to hire an attorney who does so make sure that he will keep you regularly updated as to the cost. This way you won't be taken by surprise by a huge legal bill when the case is over.
Finally, beware of high pressure sales tactics (yes, just like when buying a car). If a DUI attorney tells you that you must pay now or lose the chance to hire him you should be concerned. Who will represent your legal rights is a very important decision. You should have the opportunity to talk to several lawyers if necessary until you are comfortable with your choice. You should have complete confidence in the person that you hire to fight for your rights.
In conclusion, the five things that your should keep in mind when hiring a DUI lawyer are; 1) Beware of guarantees; 2) The Lawyer should advise you not order you; 3) The attorney should be experienced in DUI defense and in the geographic area where you were charged; 4) The attorney should be willing to give you a written fee agreement; 5) Do not fall for high pressure sales tactics. Hopefully, this information will help you to hire the right DUI lawyer for you.
Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer George A. Heym is a former Prosecutor who now defends those charged with DUI in Western Pennsylvania.
A DUI Help Site
It has a copy of the DUI Laws from every state, DUI Help Articles as well as a DUI Help Forum.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Heym
8 Tips to Help You Find a DUI Lawyer That's Right For You
By Shane Brabazon
Finding a lawyer for your DUI can be the most integral part of accomplishing the goals in your case. There is a lot of information out there, and sifting through it to find the right DUI attorney is a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips to help you find a DUI lawyer that's right for you.
Be Sure the Lawyer Specializes in OWI / DWI/ DUI Law
This may seem like a simple step, but it's actually quite important, and not as easy as you might think. A lawyer who says "I handle DUI's" may not have the level of knowledge you really want. Ask what percentage of a lawyer's case load is DUI's. How long have they been practicing DUI law? Do they regularly attend seminars to keep up to date on ever-changing drunk driving laws? Are they up to date on all current DUI state laws? Don't be afraid to ask specific questions about your case and how it will impact you. If the attorney is unwilling to give you specific answers about how the OWI will affect you, they likely do not practice enough drunk driving defense.
Finding a lawyer for your DUI can be the most integral part of accomplishing the goals in your case. There is a lot of information out there, and sifting through it to find the right DUI attorney is a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips to help you find a DUI lawyer that's right for you.
Be Sure the Lawyer Specializes in OWI / DWI/ DUI Law
This may seem like a simple step, but it's actually quite important, and not as easy as you might think. A lawyer who says "I handle DUI's" may not have the level of knowledge you really want. Ask what percentage of a lawyer's case load is DUI's. How long have they been practicing DUI law? Do they regularly attend seminars to keep up to date on ever-changing drunk driving laws? Are they up to date on all current DUI state laws? Don't be afraid to ask specific questions about your case and how it will impact you. If the attorney is unwilling to give you specific answers about how the OWI will affect you, they likely do not practice enough drunk driving defense.
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