After you’ve been charged with a DWI it can be difficult to figure out what you should do next. You will need to hire a local DWI lawyer immediately upon DWI arrest. But not sure who to hire? Asking these 5 questions will enable you to hire the best DWI lawyer. You don’t need to ask all questions, but pick and choose among them.
Hiring a skilled DWI lawyer with hands-on DWI experience will give you the comfort of minding your business while devoting less time to your court case.
How Long Have You Specialized in DWI?
General practice lawyers also appear in DWI cases. But it’s strongly advised to choose a DWI lawyer who is specialized in DWI matters. When you meet with a DWI lawyer for the first time, find out about his background and experience by asking these questions.
Are you licensed to handle cases in the state? Are you a member of a professional organization or any bar association? Be sure to check out the bar association website to see if his license is up-to-date.
How long have you been representing clients charged with DWI?
In winning a DWI case experience and expertise matter. The attorney you hire must be someone with extensive DWI experience. It is safe to look for someone who is frequently representing clients in DWI-related matters. You may ask some of these questions:
How many DUI or DWI clients do you represent in a year?
What percentage of your caseload is devoted to DWI cases?
What are some past DWI cases you have handled?
How often do you negotiate plea agreements?
What is your track record of winning cases?
Do you handle other types of criminal matters as well?
How often do you make appearances at the courthouse where my case will be heard?
If your DWI lawyer often appears in the same courthouse where your case will be heard, he will probably have a good professional relationship with the prosecutor handling your case. This will allow your DWI defense attorney to strike a plea deal on your behalf.
- What is your fee structure?
Most DWI lawyers either charge an hourly fee or a flat fee. Some may require you to pay a retainer. You can ask what is included in attorney fees and what payment options are available for you during the first interview. Always be sure to retain the services of a DWI defense attorney you can afford.
- Whom will I be working with?
The DWI lawyer you initially speak with may not necessarily work on your case at every court appearance. It is always desirable to work with a more seasoned DWI lawyer personally on your case rather than working with junior associates and paralegals who are subsequently assigned to work on your case at different stages of the proceedings.
You can ask some of these questions.
Who will be working on my case?
Whom will I be communicating with about my case?
Will you assign or delegate my case to somebody else?
- What outcome do you expect?
Be sure to ask your DWI lawyer how he will prepare you for your first date in court. If he doesn’t have a good strategy and you don’t feel confident in his ability to handle your case, it is desirable to hire someone else.
In this vein, consider asking the following questions.
Would you recommend pleading guilty to DWI charges?
Or should we proceed to trial?
How much of the case is in my favor?
Do I have a strong defense?
What would be the process of filing motions and going to trial like?
Let DWI Lawyer Albany help you!
If you or a loved one is facing a DWI charge contact us 24×7 at 518-608-2499 for a free consultation. DWI Lawyer Albany [dwilawyeralbany.com] is well known across New York State for protecting the wrongfully accused and helping those facing DWI, DUI, and Drunk Driving charges. Our DWI lawyers will answer all your questions and concerns that you may have about your case. And we will ensure that you will have a good defense in court either to mitigate or dismiss your charges entirely. DWI Lawyer Albany has a track record of successfully defending the rights of thousands of individuals in the state of New York.
