Have You Been Charged With a DUI? Here’s What To Look For in a Lawyer

Did you know there are around 1 million arrests made in the U.S. annually for DUI offenses?

But even more sobering is that the number of arrests represents a small portion of the number of impaired drivers on the roadways and highways. It’s also essential to remember that being arrested for a DUI doesn’t mean being convicted and punished for one.

If you’re accused of such an offense, you’ll want the best help possible for a favorable outcome. But how do you go about finding the right DUI lawyer? You won’t want to select the first name you see in a print or online directory. With so much at stake, you need a good attorney.

Keep reading to discover what qualities and characteristics to look for in a good DUI lawyer.

Find a DUI Lawyer Who Specializes in DUI

If you’re facing a DUI charge, you don’t want to trust just any lawyer with your case. Some attorneys cover different areas of the law and don’t specialize in any particular area. You need a specialist who focuses on DUI cases day in and day out. Hiring a generalist will reduce your odds of getting a desirable outcome. Find a lawyer who has represented many people in your shoes. Ask any lawyer you’re considering how many cases they’ve tried, their strategy in your situation, and the odds for a successful outcome.

Find a DUI Lawyer With a Good Reputation

Do you want to find a lawyer you can trust? Check out what their previous clients have to say about them. You can accomplish that by doing one or more of these four things:

Ask people you know for recommendations.
Read online reviews from past clients of the lawyers you’re considering.
Check out online testimonials law firms may have on their websites.
Research online to find out about a lawyer’s accomplishments and community involvement.

Once you learn about different lawyers’ reputations, you can determine which ones to contact for more information. It makes sense to consider multiple DUI lawyers before settling on one of them. You can then set up consultations to speak to lawyers by phone or in person.

Find a DUI Lawyer With Good Communication Skills

A DUI case can drag on for a while. Do you want to be stuck with an attorney who isn’t great at staying in touch, giving timely updates, or answering your questions in a way you can grasp? When you have a consultation, you can ask lawyers you’re considering some questions. Pay attention to how effectively they explain complex legal concepts in a way that a non-legal professional can understand. If a lawyer can’t communicate in a way you can grasp or won’t give direct answers, you’re better off finding another one.

Find a DUI Lawyer That Has Transparent Pricing

Find a DUI lawyer who offers transparent, upfront pricing. You’ll want to know the entire cost so that you don’t get a nasty surprise when you get the bill at the end of the process. A reputable DUI lawyer will be forthright from the start. You’ll get a detailed rundown of the costs, so there will be no surprises. The lawyer will also let you know under what circumstances added costs might be necessary for your DUI case.

If you’re facing DUI charges, the best thing you can do is find the right attorney to advise and represent you. Much is at stake, so you won’t want to try to represent yourself or choose a DUI lawyer without carefully considering the suitability of the person you ultimately hire.

If you follow the suggestions above, you’ll boost your odds of achieving a favorable outcome.