The Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a DUI Accident Lawyer
With thousands of DUI accident lawyers emerging on the scene every day, finding the right one for your case can be a daunting prospect. Sure, you could read reviews online and ask friends for referrals, but if you really want to make sure you are getting the best possible lawyer for your needs, there are certainly several questions you should ask before you hire someone. To ensure you are as informed and prepared as possible, here are some of the most important questions you should ask before hiring a DUI accident lawyer:
1. How long have you been practicing DUI accident law?
Making sure your chosen DUI accident law attorney has extensive experience in this field is incredibly important. After all, you are entrusting them with your case and the outcome, so you want to know that you are getting the very best representation possible. Before you make a hire, make sure to ask how long they have been practicing DUI accident law and take note of any pertinent experience relevant to your case.
2. Are you licensed to practice in my state?
It is absolutely essential to choose a lawyer who is licensed to practice in the state where the incident occurred. Laws and regulations can vary greatly from one state to the next, so it is important to hire a DUI accident lawyer who is familiar with state-specific regulations.
3. What does your fees include?
Hiring a lawyer is no small cost, so you will want to make sure you know exactly what the fees cover. Be sure to ask about the services included in their fees, such as initial consultations and court appearances. Additionally, get a clear idea of how much the total services will cost you.
4. Do you have appropriate qualifications?
Particularly in the area of DUI accident law, qualifications matter. Make sure to ask if the lawyer has qualifications specifically pertaining to this field, including any specializations they may have. It is also a good idea to ask if they are a member of any reputable lawyer organizations.
5. How long will the case take?
Knowing the timeline of a case and when you might get the results you want is an important consideration. Ask your lawyer how long a typical case like yours may take and the steps along the way that will be enacted to facilitate a satisfactory resolution.
6. How involved will I be?
Additionally, you should know just how much you will need to be involved in your own case. Find out if you will need to provide any documents or information, and what your involvement level will be.
7. How will I be updated on my case?
It is important to feel like you are kept up to date on your case. Make sure to ask about what channels of communication will be used, and how often you might expect to hear from your DUI accident lawyer.
In the below sections, you can read more about other important considerations you should be aware of when hiring a DUI accident lawyer.
The Promises You Should Receive
Your DUI accident lawyer should be well versed in DUI laws and able to make you confident in proceeding with your case. Before you hire them, make sure they have provided a verbal or written promise that they will represent you to the best of their ability and maintain your rights. Your lawyer should understand the implications of DUI charges and the appropriate court procedures to take.
Your Legal Options
Before signing with a DUI accident lawyer, make sure to ask about the legal options that might apply to your case. Your lawyer should be aware of potential defense strategies and mitigation options that may help to reduce the consequences of the charges you may be facing. They should be honest and transparent about your potential legal options, making sure to help you understand each available choice.
The Services Provided
Ensuring your DUI accident lawyer has a comprehensive list of services they are willing to provide is very important. Make sure to ask exactly what services are included in their fees. This typically includes attendance at court hearings, arrangement for any expert witnesses, representation in negotiations, and competent legal advice.
The Results You Should Expect
It is essential to understand the possible outcomes of the case before signing any agreements with your DUI accident lawyer. Make sure to inquire about the potential resolution to your case and what procedure they anticipate taking in order to reach this. Your lawyer should clearly explain the possible result to your case and be honest about the potential success to expect.
The Knowledge and Ability
Your case will require that the lawyer is experienced in DUI accident law and keeps up to date on the relevant laws and regulations. They should be able to provide sound advice concerning any state-specific legal issues and communicate the risks and implications of the case in a way you can understand.
Your Attorney’s Availability
It is important to know that the DUI accident lawyer is available at a reasonable time and will promptly return any contact you might make. Ask about the office hours of the lawyer and timeframe of when they can make themselves available to meet with you. Additionally, if you need to contact the lawyer outside of their normal office hours, ask if they have someone available who can assist.
The Communication Channels
In any legal matter, communication is paramount. When hiring a DUI accident lawyer, it is important to establish ahead of time what channels of communication will be used. Find out if they prefer email, telephone, or in-person meetings, and make sure that this fits your preference as well. Additionally, ask about different emergency contact numbers that can be used in the event of an emergency.