When it comes to having a criminal record, a DUI is no joke. Over 1.28 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence in 2012, which is about one in every 165 licensed U.S. drivers. While this event may seem overwhelming, it’s important to know that there are many options available to handle the legal process properly. The first step is finding a trustworthy and reliable DUI defense lawyer. If you’re unsure of what to look for, here are some ways to find a DUI defense lawyer that fits your needs.
First, do some online research and compile a list of potential law firms. Call as many as you see fit — most will offer a free consultation where you can tell them a little about your case with no strings attached. Take note of how the DUI lawyer speaks to you. Is it calm and friendly, or is it more aggressive and intimidating? Neither is necessarily better than the other, but you want to find a DUi defense lawyer who you’re comfortable speaking to.
Another important part of finding a DUI defense attorney is their scope of knowledge. There are many different types of criminal lawyers, and they all specialize in certain areas of criminal law. It’s important for you to find one who specializes specifically in DUI defense cases. The more your lawyer knows about the law, the better.
It’s also very important to ask around for personal recommendations. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else you feel comfortable talking to about the subject. They may not be able to point you in the right direction, but they can probably keep you from heading in the wrong direction by warning you about any bad experiences they’ve had themselves.
Finally, one of the last steps of your research should include checking online for any lawyers who may have been disbarred due to bad practices or fraud. There is an easily accessible list online that will give you all this information and more. It’s highly unlikely that a lawyer who has been disbarred would still be involved in a private practice, but it never hurts to double check your lawyer’s reputation.
Overall, getting a DUI may be stressful and expensive, but it’s not the end of the world. By taking the right steps early on in the process, you can make it much easier for yourself by the end.
