Every state in the United States has made it clear that driving under influence (DUI) is a crime. Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol while driving are charged for DUI or driving while intoxicated (DWI). The term used for the offense depends on the state they were charged with a DUI. If you have been charged with a DUI, then you need a DUI lawyer to help you out. Even if there is evidence which shows that you were impaired. the DUI attorney might still be able to get the charges reduced or the case dismissed altogether. It is common for DUI lawyers to negotiate for a treatment diversion program or lesser sentence.
When you are convicted of a DUI, you would receive a criminal sentence such as a fine, community service, or even time in jail. Moreover, the driver’s license will also be revoked or at least suspended depending on the situation and severity of the offense. It will also be determined whether it is your first offense or you have been charged many times. A DUI lawyer can still help you to obtain all driving privileges with permission from court for driving to work or a condition of ignition interlock device being used.
If you are charged with a DUI or have been arrested, then you need a DUI attorney. It is important that you know which questions to ask the DUI lawyer in order to get the answers that you require. You need to know what are your options. Never make the mistake of pleading guilty to a DUI charge until a professional DUI attorney has meticulously examined the arrest information. It is highly probable for the DUI attorney to find a problem with the arrest which can be used to your advantage. The 10 most important questions to ask your DUI lawyer are mentioned below, so that you can make the most out of your opportunity when speaking with a DUI lawyer.
- What Training Have You Received As A DUI Specialist?
The DUI lawyer that you hire should be certified by a recognized organization such as the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). You need to ask the DUI attorney if he or she has received training from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The attorney should have administered the Standardized Field Sobriety Test. It is crucial that you find out whether the police officer had correctly conducted the roadside test and was not biased. You need to also ask the attorney if he or she has had training on how to use a breathalyzer machine. When you meet with the lawyer, ask for the certificates and other related trainings to ensure that you are in good hands. Moreover, the certifications should placed on the lawyer’s office table or the walls.
- How Has Your Experience Been Representing DUI Clients?
It is vital that you ask the DUI lawyer about how many years has it been since he or she has been practicing DUI law? How many cases does the lawyer take on every year? What is the percentage of the caseload that is solely DUI? How has the trial experience been for the lawyer? Ask about the latest developments in DUI law as only an expert DUI lawyer would be able to answer that.
- What Is The Success Rate Of Your Clients?
How many cases had charges dismissed? Has the attorney managed to plea bargain? Did the lawyer help clients by getting charged with only reckless driving instead of a DUI? It is important that you fact check everything the attorney tells you.
- Are There Any Other DUI-Related Cases That Have Been Handled?
Ask the attorney about what other cases were handled? Has the lawyer worked as a public defender, police officer, or prosecutor in the past? Find out if the attorney had ever been on a DUI ride-along with a police officer.
- How Familiar Are You With The Local Court System?
You have to make sure that the attorney had experience in your county. The lawyer should also know who is the prosecutor that would be handling your case. It is important that you know which type of plea deals are offered by the prosecutor and how it could impact your case.
- How Did You Win Your Last DUI Case?
It is a good idea to learn more about the DUI lawyer’s expertise by asking the lawyer about the last DUI case that was won. The attorney must have a list of the latest local cases that were successful. You should also ask about when the next case would be handled. A reputable DUI lawyer who is specialized in DUI law should have one or more trails to keep them occupied for the coming week after your interview. Moreover, you need to ask about how often does the attorney take cases for trial.
- How Much Do You Charge And What Are Your Payment Conditions?
A good DUI Attorney Philadelphia should explicitly state the fees and payment conditions. Find out if the lawyer charges on an hourly rate or a flat fee. Normally, DUI attorneys tend to charge a flat fee. Furthermore, ask about extra costs and how you would be billed.
- Do You Represent At The DMV?
Anyone who has been charged with a DUI also has to go through a separate DMW procedure where the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license is negotiated. This is why it is important that you find out if the attorney can also handle your DMV.
- What Are The Possibilities Of The Case?
You need to know what are your options. Based on the information that you provide the attorney, he or she should be able to provide you with an idea on what the possibilities of your case could be.
- Who Would Be Handling The Case?
It is important that you make sure that your case receives the attention that is deserves. Hence, you need to find out who would be representing you at court and handling your case. This is mostly important when you consult with a big firm.