There are now over 428,300 law firms throughout the US (via industry research company IBIS World). You shouldn’t have to search through dozens to find the best DUI defense attorney available. Otherwise, you’ll lose valuable time top DUI attorneys could otherwise dedicate to your case.
To save time and energy, use these tips for choosing a DUI defense attorney to streamline your search. With these tips, you can find qualified, experienced attorneys worthy of your trust. Leverage their expertise to ensure a better outcome for your case!
Consider the Charges
Before researching the best defense lawyers in your area, consider the details surrounding your case. Reviewing the charges will help you determine what type of lawyer you need. You can find someone with experience and expertise that’s relevant to your case.
The charges will vary based on where you were arrested. For example, there are 15 different ways crimes involving driving under the influence are charged in Florida. A few include:
- Misdemeanor DUI
- Felony DUI
- Underage DUI
- Suspended license DUI
- Commercial driver’s license DUI
Misdemeanor crimes include first and second DUI convictions. The punishment for these crimes can include less than one year of jail time. This charge only applies to arrests that involve non-fatal drunk driving accidents.
Though a misdemeanor may sound like a minor infraction, a conviction can result in:
- Hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines
- Getting your driver’s license revoked
- Imprisonment for several days up to a year
Felony charges are punishable by over one year in jail. They include third and fourth DUI convictions, accidents involving serious bodily harm, and DUI manslaughter.
DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide could result in up to 15 years in prison. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes in the US daily.
A hit-and-run accident resulting in an accidental death can have the consequence of up to 15 years in prison.
While searching for top DUI attorneys in your area, look for someone with experience relevant to the charges you’re facing. You can leverage their prior case experience to fight for a better outcome.
Review Their Credentials
To build a list of the best defense lawyers in town, visit your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbell online directory. Confirm that each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice locally.
Learn more about each lawyer’s education and training. You can use the US Department of Education’s database to confirm that they graduated from an accredited institution. To obtain a license, each lawyer must pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
The classes they took can speak to their level of expertise as a DUI defense lawyer. Consider what certifications they earned, such as ones from the:
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
The NACDL is dedicated to the aggressive defense of individuals charged with crimes. They hold an annual DUI Defense Seminar.
The NCDD provides extensive DUI training, covering all areas of DUI defense. These programs prepare lawyers for DUI cases, including:
- Jury selection
- Cross-examination of the arresting officers
- Cross-examination of the testing officers
- Instruction on all aspects of breath and blood alcohol testing
- Evidentiary issues
- DUI lawyers
To become board-certified by the NCDD, lawyers must pass written and oral exams. These lawyers have reached an enhanced level of advocacy in the field of DUI defense.
Finding a lawyer with extensive credentials related to DUI cases will give you peace of mind. You can feel confident in their extensive knowledge related to DUI laws.
Gage Level of Experience
Before finding a DUI attorney, consider their level of hands-on case experience. Ask how long they’ve practiced law locally. How many of those years were dedicated to DUI cases?
Choose a lawyer with extensive experience relevant to your needs. They’ll know how to navigate your case without making costly mistakes.
Ask each lawyer about their most recent DUI defense cases. How many cases did they win versus lose in the past year? Choose a lawyer with a strong success rate.
Request client testimonials from each attorney. Did the client have any issues working with their attorney? Choose a lawyer who already has a glowing reputation that speaks to their capabilities.
Prepararse para el juicio
You can’t anticipate how your case will proceed. To cover your bases, find an attorney with extensive courtroom experience.
If a lawyer is apprehensive about defending you in court, they may settle out of court instead. These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind. Instead, choose an attorney who will prepare you for any possible outcome, like restoring your driving privileges.
Discuss DUI Defense Strategies
Talk to three local DUI defense attorneys about your case. Ask what strategy they would recommend.
Their process may include:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing the crime scene
- Gathering research
- Building your defense
- Examining laws and statutes
- Drafting, filing, and arguing appeals
Your lawyer should help you consider the pros and cons of each legal option. They should develop a DUI defense strategy based on your goals.
Plan to Communicate
Ask each lawyer how they plan on communicating with you moving forward. Choose someone who will keep you apprised throughout the entire process.
Consider how many cases the lawyer is currently working on. Confirm that they won’t hand your case off to another attorney at their firm. If they’re too busy, they may neglect your defense.
Compare Costs
Determine each lawyer’s fee structure. Will they charge you a flat or hourly rate? Determine what’s included with each estimate.
Don’t choose the cheapest DUI defense attorney you find. Instead, review your options. Choose an attorney who is most likely to fight with your goals in mind.
Find the Best DUI Attorney for Your Case
Choosing between top DUI attorneys shouldn’t feel daunting. Instead, use these tips to find the best DUI attorney based on your case. They’ll ensure a better outcome while fighting for your rights.
Look no further for an experienced, reliable attorney than RHINO Lawyers. We’ve won hundreds of cases like yours.
We’ll work one-on-one with you to develop unique DUI defense strategies tailored to the specific details of your case. Want to reduce or eradicate your misdemeanor or felony charges? Contacto con nosotros now for a free video consultation.
CONTACTAR CON EL ABOGADO DE MULTAS DE TRÁFICO DE TAMPA
RHINO Abogados puede ayudar y guiarle a través de un sistema moldeado por las fuerzas del orden, los jueces y los abogados durante décadas. Habiendo ganado casos para nuestros clientes en circunstancias similares, nuestro equipo de defensa penal sabe lo que se necesita para luchar en su nombre.
Dejemos que RHINO Lawyers responder a sus preguntas y revisar los hechos de su caso con una consulta gratuita. Así que, comience completando el "EVALUACIÓN DE CASO GRATUITA INSTANTÁNEAMENTE" o llamándonos a cualquier hora, de día o de noche, al (844) RHINO-77.
