So you’ve been arrested for drunk driving. Whether or not you are innocent, you will fare better throughout the administrative and criminal process with an experienced DUI lawyer on your side.
So how do you find a qualified attorney? While you can ask for a referral from someone who has experienced the DUI process before, you can also obtain a referral from your local Bar Association.
Many attorneys are willing to meet you briefly to introduce themselves and discuss your case. This is where you can conduct an interview to see if you have found the right lawyer for you.
When you meet with your prospective candidate, the following are five important questions to help you make the best decision possible:
- Do you specialize in DUI cases? When you first meet with DUI attorneys, you must learn about their background and experience. It is important to hire one who focuses on DUI charges. For instance, many DUI lawyers are members of the National College of DUI Defense, which means that they focus primarily on DUI law.
- How many have you won? And since the number of years practicing or volume of DUI cases doesn’t necessarily translate to success, you want a lawyer who has a high volume of successful DUI case results.
- What are the possible outcomes of my case? No lawyer can promise success; however, your potential attorney should be able to provide you with a likely outcome based on his or her experience with cases similar to yours. In addition to discussing different scenarios, he or should also help you get your life back on track, such as regaining your driving privileges.
- Will you be the one who actually handles my case? Since many lawyers are part of a large team, a senior attorney may assess your case during the initial consultation and then assign your case to another attorney. If you want the lawyer you speak with during your consultation to be there with you throughout the legal process, make sure you ask upfront who will be handling your case.
- How much is this all going to cost me? Being arrested for a DUI can be expensive. While you may face financial penalties, such as fines, DUI school, and increased insurance premiums, it also costs money to hire a lawyer. Most attorneys use one of two billing methods: an hourly rate or a flat fee. Find out if the lawyer is willing to work with you and your budget.
Due to his exceptional reputation in the legal community in Rhode Island, one of our attorneys was invited to become a member of the National College of DUI Defense. He has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in America. So if you want a lawyer with years of success, has years of experience, and has obtained numerous awards, look no further than The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq. today.
Request a free consultation with our Rhode Island DUI defense attorneys at The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, ESQ. today.