Did you know 18.5 million adults acknowledged driving under the influence in a given year? If you’ve driven after drinking, your impaired state may have resulted in being pulled over by law enforcement. As a result, you could be staring down legal problems.
It pays to have an experienced legal professional help you navigate your situation. Keep reading to learn about the nine signs of a quality DUI lawyer in Mount Pleasant!
1. Experience with DUI Cases
When hiring an attorney for a DUI case, make sure that attorney has experience in the area. A personal injury lawyer can specialize in anything from motorcycle accidents to workplace incidents. You want a legal professional with ample experience handling DUIs.
It’s fair to ask a potential attorney how many DUI cases they have handled. You want concrete evidence that an attorney is well-versed in DUI cases and knows how to help you steer clear of a conviction. You don’t want an attorney with limited experience in this realm.
2. Excellent Investigative Skills
Rather than fumbling through a personal injury case yourself, let a professional take charge on your behalf. Hire an attorney with robust investigative skills so you can put together the best defense in a DUI case.
A skilled attorney will be able to collect necessary documents, like a police report and medical records. More importantly, they’ll know how to interpret the content in such a way that works in your favor. They will anticipate the prosecution’s tactics to convict you so you stand the best chance of a better result.
3. Local Knowledge
When facing a DUI, it’s best to choose local legal services. You want to partner with an attorney who is familiar with the nuances of the Mount Pleasant court system. This includes the judges, other attorneys, and rules that govern the area.
An attorney with a positive reputation locally works to your advantage, as well. You may be able to arrive at better settlements and outcomes thanks to strong local connections with your attorney.
4. A Track Record of Success
Hire an attorney with evidence of successful outcomes. While you might feel like you can save money by going with a new or inexperienced attorney, you’ll pay the price later. A new attorney won’t have the connections, research skills, or negotiation savvy to help you as effectively.
It’s better to hire an experienced attorney who is able and eager to tell you about their track record of success. When you meet with a potential attorney, ask them what the outcomes have been for DUI cases. Most importantly, ask them how many similar cases they are managing at the moment.
5. Prompt Communication
Whether you’re hiring a divorce attorney or someone in real estate law, you deserve a good communicator. And with DUI cases, where emotions can be high, you need an attorney who recognizes the urgency of the situation.
You don’t want to be left hanging when you’re awaiting details related to your case. Stay away from attorneys and firms that fail to return phone calls or offer regular updates.
Always meet with a potential attorney first. And ask them about their preferred method of communication to make sure it aligns with yours.
6. Transparency About Expectations
Avoid attorneys who make grand promises about outcomes. If an attorney guarantees a result, that’s a big red flag and you should direct your search elsewhere. Empty promises are gimmicks to win your business, and they could set you up for disappointment.
A good attorney will be honest with you about your prospects given the situation. You may face significant repercussions for a DUI conviction, and your attorney should be open about that. You want to trust, however, that they will do everything they can to lessen the burden for you.
7. Personal Attention
Will one attorney take charge of your case? Or will your case become buried in a large load of cases? Be clear on who will be managing your situation.
Some larger firms may take on too many cases, and you might not even interact much with an attorney. Dealing with a DUI charge can be a stressful time. A strong DUI attorney recognizes this and will be available when you have questions or want updates.
8. Strong Referrals
Before hiring a lawyer, you should plan on checking previous clients’ perspectives on the experience. You can visit an attorney’s website to find testimonials. But you’ll find more useful and varied input through referrals.
A potential lawyer should be willing to provide the names and contact info of previous clients as referrals. Be wary of moving forward with an attorney who is unwilling to do so.
Speak with past clients. And ask about their overall opinion, reasons to hire the attorney, and drawbacks from their experience.
9. Ethical Behavior
Finally, choose a DUI attorney with a clean record. You don’t want an attorney who is better known for their inappropriate behavior or malpractice record. Check for evidence of disciplinary action or other ethical red flags before hiring someone.
An attorney with a clean record of achievement will have an edge during courtroom proceedings. Attorneys on the other side might be more willing to negotiate, too, if your attorney has a strong reputation.
Hire the Right DUI Attorney
Facing a DUI is a serious situation and you don’t want to do it alone. Hire a reputable attorney with experience, strong communication skills, and a track record of success. Make sure you know what to expect, and never hesitate to ask them questions about your case.
Find the local legal services you need in Mount Pleasant. Contact us for help!