DUI, or driving under the influence, is a very serious offense that can bring jail time and loss of driving privileges. If a person is not familiar with the administrative and legal systems, it is advisable that they consult a DUI Attorney in Casa Grande AZ who can provide guidance and coaching. Below are several tips to help potential clients in the search for a local DUI lawyer.
Ask for References and Recommendations
If a defendant has never committed a crime before, they should ask for references. Start by asking acquaintances who have had DUIs and related issues. These people can usually offer the name of an attorney whom they have used in the past. Attorneys in other practice areas can often provide recommendations for colleagues who handle DUI cases.
Look Online
Clients should do some online research on DUI offenses, legal complications and available legal services. Online resources offer detailed information on various components of a DUI case, and legal directories can provide contact info on local DUI attorneys. As important as this step is, clients should not rely solely on online research. Rather, they should conduct thorough background checks and understand each attorney’s history and philosophy before making a hiring decision.
Schedule an Interview
Most lawyers, such as those with the Alexander Law Offices, offer free initial consultations where they can discuss case specifics and potential legal options. These meetings provide both client and attorney with the chance to get to know one another, and they give the client a chance to find out whether DUI law is the attorney’s primary practice area. In some cases, the concerned attorney might not attend every hearing, and the client will need to get to know the firm’s other lawyers as well.
Understand Payment Terms
DUI cases can be time-consuming and costly, and hiring an attorney can be expensive. However, the benefit of a lawyer’s skills and experience can help a client avoid license loss, jail time, fines and higher insurance rates. Most attorneys charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate, and the client should understand what is included in the lawyer’s fees.
Make a Wise Choice
After a defendant speaks to a few local attorneys, they should have an idea of how the legal system works. Clients should decide which DUI Attorney in Casa Grande AZ is the easiest to work with, and they should consider the lawyer’s work experience when hiring.
