A DUI lawyer can be the most important factor in achieving your case's objectives. Finding the best DUI lawyer requires combing through a lot of information, which is a difficult undertaking. Here are some useful hints to help you choose the best DUI attorney.
Make that the attorney specialises in OWI/DWI/DUI law.
Although it might appear like a straightforward action, it's actually quite crucial and more difficult than you might imagine. If a lawyer states they "handle DUIs," they might not have the degree of expertise you need. Find out what proportion of a lawyer's cases involve DUIs. How long has the DUI law been in practise? Do they routinely attend seminars to stay current on the constantly evolving legislation pertaining to drunk driving? Do they know all of the most recent state DUI laws? Never be reluctant to express your concerns in detail about your case and how it will affect you. If the lawyer won't provide you with detailed information about how the OWI will affect you, they probably don't practise drunk driving defence enough.
Verify the DUI Attorney Has Experience in Your Area
I know firsthand how knowing the players on the field may be just as crucial as knowing the rules of the game as a practising Wisconsin DUI attorney fully educated in Wisconsin DUI legislation. While it won't affect the law, knowing the specific judges and how they handle their courtroom can improve your odds of success. On the other hand, knowing the prosecutors is a great resource. Find out if the DUI lawyer you are contemplating is familiar with the prosecutor's names and if he has ever collaborated with them. If not, inquire as to what the attorney intends to perform in order to become familiar with them prior to entering the courtroom.
I occasionally get hired to represent clients in matters outside of Northeast Wisconsin. We've had clients who got into trouble out of town but wanted a lawyer from their area to work with, or clients from all areas of Wisconsin who are aware of our reputation as a Wisconsin DUI attorney and are willing to pay to have excellent, aggressive representation. This is because they know that I am a very experienced Wisconsin DUI attorney and very familiar with Wisconsin DUI laws. Some clients prefer a specialised DUI lawyer from outside their local area because they are worried about the "ol boys network."
In conclusion, if your DUI attorney does not already know your judge or your prosecutor, make sure he or she has a plan to do so before the case even enters the courtroom.
A prosecutor knowing your lawyer may occasionally work against you. If your lawyer does not vigorously contest OWI or DUI charges, the prosecution will be aware of this and may be less inclined to offer your lawyer the best possible plea bargain. It is doubtful that the prosecutor will make an offer that considers the case going to trial if the lawyer has a history of accepting plea deals and avoiding trials.
Make sure the attorney is up to date on DUI laws.
The most dynamic and difficult field of criminal law litigation is DUI law. Wisconsin's DUI regulations are subject to regular revision. Nearly every year, the legislature modifies the OWI/DUI rules, and occasionally the court's interpretation of the law causes the environment to drastically shift in a single day. Make sure your DUI attorney stays current on these matters. They contain a substantial amount of physiological and scientific evidence. Do they understand the terms "gas chromatograph," "Hinz chart," "retrograde extrapolation," or "horizontal gaze nystagmus"? If they don't, they lack sufficient defence experience for OWIs.
Inquire about joining a professional organisation like the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys or the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Find out if they attend DUI/OWI continuing legal education seminars to keep their training up to date. When did they most recently go? To keep them informed of sudden changes in the law, find out whether they are subscribers to any DUI/OWI listservs. You need a knowledgeable DUI attorney.
the trial process
Does the lawyer have any experience trying DUI cases in court? How frequently? What results can you expect? Remember that no two cases are alike, so even if other cases have gone to trial and been successful does not mean yours will as well. But do you really believe the prosecution will give you their best bargain if your OWI/DUI attorney has never tried a case in court? I have significant doubts. Your OWI/DUI lawyer should have experience trying OWI and DUI cases in court.
Examine fees
Have an open dialogue regarding the costs your lawyer charges. Do they provide flat cost plans or do they charge by the hour? Can you choose the payment plan? What additional fees they impose (postage, copying, telephone bills, etc.).
NEVER hire a lawyer based only on price. You don't go with the most affordable doctor, do you? Price will probably be an issue, but do not let it be the only one. Have you really saved money by picking the least expensive attorney if you lose your job, serve an additional thirty days in jail, or lose your ability to drive for more than a year?
Has the DUI attorney ever received a censure, been suspended, or been barred?
Unfortunately, there are some lawyers out there who struggle to uphold the standards of ethical behaviour. Find out if the DUI lawyer you are considering hiring has ever faced sanctions from the ethics committee overseeing their state's attorneys. For instance, in Wisconsin, you can get in touch with the organisation that oversees Wisconsin lawyers. Do not be afraid to Google the lawyer's name or the name of the firm to check for any unfavourable background information or positive or negative feedback from previous clients.
Occupy a Referral
Ask someone you know who has ever had an OWI about their experiences, both good and bad, with the DUI lawyer you are thinking about hiring. Many times, lawyers can give you the names of former clients who are happy to talk about their experiences. In the event that I ever need a referral, I have never had a client say they wouldn't be open to sharing their experiences with a potential client.
Make sure you feel at ease with the DUI attorney.
No matter how much or how little you pay your drunk driving lawyer, you won't be satisfied with the outcomes unless you feel at ease with them and trust that they will fight for what you want and need. The majority of DUI lawyers provide free consultations in their offices. Visit them now. Meet the office personnel. Assess whether you like and respect these folks. Are you going to be able to talk to them? When you have questions, will they respond, or will you get lost in a voicemail sea? Ask a lot of questions and take advantage of the chance to conduct a thorough interview. You won't be happy with the outcomes unless you find a law firm that you think is competent, caring, and willing to take on your case. Make the most of the opportunity to find the BEST DUI attorney for you by asking questions.
Make that the attorney specialises in OWI/DWI/DUI law.
Although it might appear like a straightforward action, it's actually quite crucial and more difficult than you might imagine. If a lawyer states they "handle DUIs," they might not have the degree of expertise you need. Find out what proportion of a lawyer's cases involve DUIs. How long has the DUI law been in practise? Do they routinely attend seminars to stay current on the constantly evolving legislation pertaining to drunk driving? Do they know all of the most recent state DUI laws? Never be reluctant to express your concerns in detail about your case and how it will affect you. If the lawyer won't provide you with detailed information about how the OWI will affect you, they probably don't practise drunk driving defence enough.
Verify the DUI Attorney Has Experience in Your Area
I know firsthand how knowing the players on the field may be just as crucial as knowing the rules of the game as a practising Wisconsin DUI attorney fully educated in Wisconsin DUI legislation. While it won't affect the law, knowing the specific judges and how they handle their courtroom can improve your odds of success. On the other hand, knowing the prosecutors is a great resource. Find out if the DUI lawyer you are contemplating is familiar with the prosecutor's names and if he has ever collaborated with them. If not, inquire as to what the attorney intends to perform in order to become familiar with them prior to entering the courtroom.
I occasionally get hired to represent clients in matters outside of Northeast Wisconsin. We've had clients who got into trouble out of town but wanted a lawyer from their area to work with, or clients from all areas of Wisconsin who are aware of our reputation as a Wisconsin DUI attorney and are willing to pay to have excellent, aggressive representation. This is because they know that I am a very experienced Wisconsin DUI attorney and very familiar with Wisconsin DUI laws. Some clients prefer a specialised DUI lawyer from outside their local area because they are worried about the "ol boys network."
In conclusion, if your DUI attorney does not already know your judge or your prosecutor, make sure he or she has a plan to do so before the case even enters the courtroom.
A prosecutor knowing your lawyer may occasionally work against you. If your lawyer does not vigorously contest OWI or DUI charges, the prosecution will be aware of this and may be less inclined to offer your lawyer the best possible plea bargain. It is doubtful that the prosecutor will make an offer that considers the case going to trial if the lawyer has a history of accepting plea deals and avoiding trials.
Make sure the attorney is up to date on DUI laws.
The most dynamic and difficult field of criminal law litigation is DUI law. Wisconsin's DUI regulations are subject to regular revision. Nearly every year, the legislature modifies the OWI/DUI rules, and occasionally the court's interpretation of the law causes the environment to drastically shift in a single day. Make sure your DUI attorney stays current on these matters. They contain a substantial amount of physiological and scientific evidence. Do they understand the terms "gas chromatograph," "Hinz chart," "retrograde extrapolation," or "horizontal gaze nystagmus"? If they don't, they lack sufficient defence experience for OWIs.
Inquire about joining a professional organisation like the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys or the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Find out if they attend DUI/OWI continuing legal education seminars to keep their training up to date. When did they most recently go? To keep them informed of sudden changes in the law, find out whether they are subscribers to any DUI/OWI listservs. You need a knowledgeable DUI attorney.
the trial process
Does the lawyer have any experience trying DUI cases in court? How frequently? What results can you expect? Remember that no two cases are alike, so even if other cases have gone to trial and been successful does not mean yours will as well. But do you really believe the prosecution will give you their best bargain if your OWI/DUI attorney has never tried a case in court? I have significant doubts. Your OWI/DUI lawyer should have experience trying OWI and DUI cases in court.
Examine fees
Have an open dialogue regarding the costs your lawyer charges. Do they provide flat cost plans or do they charge by the hour? Can you choose the payment plan? What additional fees they impose (postage, copying, telephone bills, etc.).
NEVER hire a lawyer based only on price. You don't go with the most affordable doctor, do you? Price will probably be an issue, but do not let it be the only one. Have you really saved money by picking the least expensive attorney if you lose your job, serve an additional thirty days in jail, or lose your ability to drive for more than a year?
Has the DUI attorney ever received a censure, been suspended, or been barred?
Unfortunately, there are some lawyers out there who struggle to uphold the standards of ethical behaviour. Find out if the DUI lawyer you are considering hiring has ever faced sanctions from the ethics committee overseeing their state's attorneys. For instance, in Wisconsin, you can get in touch with the organisation that oversees Wisconsin lawyers. Do not be afraid to Google the lawyer's name or the name of the firm to check for any unfavourable background information or positive or negative feedback from previous clients.
Occupy a Referral
Ask someone you know who has ever had an OWI about their experiences, both good and bad, with the DUI lawyer you are thinking about hiring. Many times, lawyers can give you the names of former clients who are happy to talk about their experiences. In the event that I ever need a referral, I have never had a client say they wouldn't be open to sharing their experiences with a potential client.
Make sure you feel at ease with the DUI attorney.
No matter how much or how little you pay your drunk driving lawyer, you won't be satisfied with the outcomes unless you feel at ease with them and trust that they will fight for what you want and need. The majority of DUI lawyers provide free consultations in their offices. Visit them now. Meet the office personnel. Assess whether you like and respect these folks. Are you going to be able to talk to them? When you have questions, will they respond, or will you get lost in a voicemail sea? Ask a lot of questions and take advantage of the chance to conduct a thorough interview. You won't be happy with the outcomes unless you find a law firm that you think is competent, caring, and willing to take on your case. Make the most of the opportunity to find the BEST DUI attorney for you by asking questions.