Are you or someone you know charged with DUI? Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense in which a person is considered until proven guilty.
Fines, court appearances, and fees are just the beginning for someone who was found guilty. There is a lot that you don’t know and handling the case yourself can do more damage than good. This is why you need the help of a professional and experienced lawyer.
There are different types of lawyers, not all of them are qualified for handling DUI cases. So, you have to make sure the lawyer you are hiring has comprehensive knowledge about the DUI laws.
When you are arrested for DUI, it is imperative that you should not panic. What you should do is ask the lawyer the right questions to know what you are dealing with. Are you wondering which questions you should ask the lawyer before hiring? In this post, we have mentioned the questions you must ask the lawyer.
Questions You Need to Ask A DUI Lawyer
Meeting a lawyer for the first time can prove to be overwhelming. There is a chance that you might forget to ask important questions. So, it is advised to meet the lawyer with full preparation. It will be better if you make a list of things you will be asking the lawyer.
You have to keep in mind that there are no set of questions that are best. This is why you should ask the questions that you think are crucial to ask. Since DUI cases are different, you must have your own set of questions.
Here is a list of some things that you should definitely ask the lawyer.
1. Are they specialists in DUI law?
The first thing you have to ask the lawyer is whether they have specialized in DUI law or not. There are plenty of general practice attorneys who claim that they handle DUI cases. Though they might be capable of handling such cases, it is best to hire an attorney who has specialized in DUI cases. This is because they will know the best way to handle your case. Additionally, they will have a better knowledge of DUI laws.
2. How many cases have they handled? How many went to trial?
Another question that will help you choose the best lawyer is about their previous cases. It is a great way to determine whether the lawyer is the right choice or not. Don’t be scared to ask them about the cases that went to trial. A great lawyer will always tell about their previous cases.
3. How experienced are they?
One of the most important questions to ask the lawyer is for how many years have they practiced DUI law. This will help you know how experienced they are. It is advised to hire a lawyer who has at least 2 years of experience in DUI cases.
4. What is the best strategy in your case?
It is important to tell the lawyer everything there is to know about your case. Hiding information, no matter how minor you think it is; is not advised. Once the lawyer knows the whole story, they can help you in a better way. Moreover, they will let you know what the best way to handle your case is.
5. How much will they charge you?
This is the most crucial question to ask the lawyer. Hiring an expensive lawyer doesn’t guarantee that you will win the case. This is why you must always hire an affordable lawyer. It is recommended not to hire a lawyer at the expense of your assets.
To choose the best lawyer, it is imperative to get quotes from at least 5 lawyers. After getting an estimate, you must select the lawyer that is in accordance with your budget. Avoid hiring a lawyer who asks for fees upfront or charge you for the first consultation.
6. How and when you should contact them?
You will be contacting your lawyer quite often; it is no brainer. This is why you must know how to contact your lawyer. Communication has a vital role to play in resolving a DUI case. Having clear communication with your lawyer makes all the difference. It makes the process smooth and stress-free.
7. What are the possible outcomes of your case?
Once the lawyer knows everything about your case, they will guide you what are the possible outcomes. It is about being honest and not the right answer. This means the lawyer should tell you all kinds of outcomes and help you prepare for them. A great lawyer will know beforehand what are the chances of winning the case. They will be mentally ready for everything.
8. How will they fight your case?
The lawyer will know how to proceed in your case. For your understanding, the lawyer will mention the steps to be taken. They will even tell the most important steps for your case. It will make sure you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Keep in mind that the lawyer cannot discuss everything in detail, just knowing that the lawyer is competent is more than enough. This will even show that the lawyer is well-prepared.
In case, guilt is established, the penalty is dependent on state law along with other situations like cooperation with the police or the presence of an open bottle in the car.
We hope these things will help you hire the best lawyer for defending you in a DUI case. If you are looking for a DUI Attorney Champaign Illinois, no need to look further. We have a team of experienced and skilled professionals who will put in their best effort to settle your case. We have comprehensive knowledge about DUI laws and will make sure you get the best deal. For more details, kindly get in touch with our customer support experts.