You may not think it is an important decision to choose a DUI defense Lawyer but you would be surprised to find that it can mean the difference between high fees and low fees, jail time or no time, plea bargain or not guilty. Choosing a good DUI defense lawyer is just not one single thing, it is the most important thing. Why? Well, because what has happened already has happened and you can't go back and change it, but what you can change is what dwi defense attorney represents you. Here are some key things to consider when looking for your attorney:
First, and most importantly, does the DUI defense attorney have specific experience with DUI or DWI cases? Is DUI defenses their main focus or do they just use these cases to fill in their schedule? If they have a good deal of experience with DUI defending, what is their record? Oh, how defense attorneys hate to talk about records. All will tell you that they have never lost. Well technically speaking that could be correct because in general, a DWI defense lawyer will plea bargain a very high percentage of cases, and so lawyers will count the plea bargain as a tie. Be sure to find out how many cases get plea bargained down to lesser offenses. If the company you are researching or talking to is a DUI plea bargain mill, then be extra careful. Ideally you should try to find a DUI defense attorney that has a split record between wins, plea bargains, and yes, even some losses. Losses are not always a bad thing as they are indicative that the lawyer at least attempted to win the case, as apposed to just a cop-out plea bargain.
Secondly, you can start you search online by looking specifically for your location plus the words of the crime you are accused of; so if you are in need of a DUI defense lawyer, then type in "San Diego DUI Defense Attorney", for example. Don't just click on the first one that shows up. You have to remember that many firms can basically "buy" their position in the search engine results, so the fact that Firm A is on number one on Google for "DUI Defense Attorney" does not necessarily mean that they are the best or that they hold the most experience. How does a firm buy their position in Google? Well, without getting too technical, they can essentially buy advertisements and various links that all add up to a very nice position in the search engines. Also, if you notice at the top of the search results, some of the listings are written in a slightly smaller font and look just a tad different. These DUI lawyers' advertisements are just flat out paid ads and Google does'nt exactly try to make that fact obvious.
Thirdly, check out the websites of several of them and try to find one that seems honest and reputable. Keep in mind that you can gauge how devoted an attorney is to working successfully on DUI cases by how much of their website is devoted to that subject. This is not a hard and fast rule but it is a good starting point if you are totally in the dark as to what to look for. So, if you are searching for a good dui defense lawyer yet the particular website that you are looking at is filled 99% with drug cases or divorce cases then perhaps DWI's are not their specialty. Find one that has that specialty.
Fourthly, you will need to start calling some of your final choices to see if they can even get you in. Most are very polite and will try to accommodate your schedule. However, you will find that some just cannot take on another case for several more weeks. You should thank them and keep their number but you need to find one now! Time is of the essence when your ass is on the line. Also, find out if they will provide a free consultation, even if conducted over the phone. This is a step that most people don't do because they simply either forget or else they didn't realize that they could ask this. Most firms will allow for this (the ones that want your business and are confident of their ability). If they do not allow for a free consult, then that is a red flag to some as it indicates their confidence in themselves. Remember, you do not really want a dui defense attorney who does nothing but plea bargains cases 100% of the time.
Another good way to narrow down you DUI Defense Lawyer choices is to contact the state bar association and make an inquiry about that firm or lawyer. If their have ever been any warnings or reprimands made against that attorney, then usually the state's bar association or their website will make that information available.
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