If you have been charged with a DUI/DWI, your best bet is to hire a lawyer. It can be a scary and overwhelming decision to make, but understanding when you need help will help you make the best decision possible for your situation.
When to Hire a Lawyer
If you are facing legal charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible. DUI cases could potentially result in significant consequences, including jail time, expensive fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Hiring a qualified attorney can help you minimize the impact of a DUI or DWI conviction on your life and your future opportunities. However, simply hiring a lawyer is not enough. You still need to take an active role in your own case by staying informed and making decisions in consultation with your attorney. The earlier you consult with a lawyer, the better they can assess your legal situation and determine the best course of action for protecting your rights and preserving your best interests. It helps if you consult with an experienced DUI or DWI attorney before speaking to police or other law enforcement officers because they could use any statement against you during criminal proceedings or sentencing.
How to Find the Right Lawyer
Before hiring an attorney, it is helpful to understand what questions to ask during the interview to ensure that you are getting the best representation. Here are some tips:
- Make sure they have experience with DUI/DWI cases in your jurisdiction; some states have different laws or regulations regarding DUI offenses.
- Ask how many similar cases they have handled in the past year, as well as what the outcomes were. Going through successful examples of their work can give you some insight into their methods and strategies for handling your own case.
- Identify whether other professionals (psycho-therapists, chemical addiction counselors, or jail alternatives) are part of their team if needed.
- Ensure that you can communicate with them easily by phone or email; this way it won’t take days before hearing back from them regarding any changes in your case.
- Confirm that they accept payment plans so that you don’t incur a heavy financial burden all at once.
- Be sure to ask about other related costs (expert witness fees, investigative services, etc.) so that there will be no surprises down the road when bills start rolling in.
Conclusion
While there are many factors that can influence when to hire a lawyer, such as the severity of your charge and the location in which you were arrested, some general guidelines can be useful. If you have been detained or if you believe that your rights have been violated during your arrest or detention, it is important to speak with an attorney immediately. Additionally, if you have any questions about what will happen next in court proceedings or if you need legal advice on how best to defend yourself against the charges against you, please do not hesitate to contact a lawyer.
