A DWI or DUI is a serious offense, which can lead to hefty fines, losing a driving license, or worse, serving serious jail time. When you are arrested for driving while intoxicated [DWI] or driving under influence [DUI], it is crucial to recognize that you are in trouble and find ways to tackle it. You need to be well prepared and informed to face the situation head-on.
The best way to do that is to hire an experienced DWI lawyer. He or she will help you prepare adequately for the case and take some stress away. However, hiring the right DWI lawyer can be quite a daunting task. You can’t just hire any DWI lawyer you bump into; you must do your due diligence and a background check on the lawyer you want to trust with your case.
In this article, we make the process of hiring a DWI easier by giving you some crucial tips. Let’s explore them.
- Prepare a list of your potential DWI lawyers
First things first, you need to come up with a list of potential DWI lawyers. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. You can also research National Associations and State Bar Associations. Once you have come up with a preliminary list of DWI/DUI lawyers together, you can refer to each lawyer’s website or contact them directly to find out more about them.
- Consider the experience level of the lawyers
A criminal lawyer may have tried numerous cases, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they have experience in trying or winning DWI cases. Choosing a lawyer who specifically has experience in DWI/DUI cases is an absolute necessity if you want the best outcome for your case. Having an experienced DWI lawyer by your side can be such a relief because they will help you navigate the complex legal system.
- Check for references
A good DWI lawyer should be able to give you references and testimonials of the past clients they have helped in the past. If you have a list of their past clients, you can contact them and ask them about their experience working with the lawyer. You can also ask whether or not they were with the lawyer’s services. If you get positive feedback, you can go ahead and hire the lawyer.
- Pay attention o the lawyer’s reputation
You should also pay attention to the lawyer’s reputation. Of course, if you want the best outcome for your case, you need to hire a DWI lawyer with a good reputation. If you associate yourself with a DWI lawyer who has had discipline cases, chances of winning your case are minimal.
- Legal fees
You should also pay attention to the lawyer’s fees. DWI lawyers generally charge differently for their services, so you need to find one whose charges suit your budget. However, this doesn’t mean that you should go for a DWI lawyer who charges very low rates. Besides, you shouldn’t base your hiring process on fees alone; you should also consider the lawyer’s experience, communication skills, and commitment.
