Top Questions to Ask When Choosing a DUI Lawyer
Is a DUI lawyer worth the money when the police set their sights on you for driving while impaired? A million times, yes!
The costs of a DUI go well beyond the $400-$992 in fines that most South Carolinians would pay. There are also lost wages, perhaps the loss of employment or a career, and the cost of alternative modes of transportation while you’re unable to drive.
Finding a skilled attorney to fight or mitigate the charges is imperative. Here are some questions to ask to help you find the right one.
How Long Have You Specialized?
Many attorneys may handle DUI cases, but that doesn’t necessarily make them good DUI lawyers for your case. That’s because generalists can miss many key details of how to approach your defense.
They treat each case as a one-size-fits-all. That’s not how it works. Ask the attorney you’re considering what specialized training they have and how long they’ve specialized in their field.
They should be able to point you toward accredited training programs in which they’ve taken part. Wherever credentials are cited, make sure they have American Bar Association recognition.
What Are Some Effective Defenses?
See what they think about your specific case. What’s the game plan they would use to approach it? If you’re like the 98.4 percent of South Carolinians who claim not to drive while impaired, then you may be in a good position to contest the results.
Having this conversation as early as possible is one of the DUI lawyer tips we would highly recommend. You can see whether there are any holes in a potential defense based on your specific situation.
What Will It Cost?
No DUI lawyer guide would be complete without touching on the issue of cost. You’ll need to weigh the price tag against the potential fallout from fines and restitution to get a real sense of the value involved.
Without a criminal defense attorney on your side, a prosecutor will crucify you. They’re good at it. So, weigh whatever costs you’ll encounter against the maximum fine along with any lost wages for jail time.
Which Outcomes Are Most Common?
The best DUI lawyer can point you to multiple cases they’ve worked on. They can tell you when it made sense to go to trial and when it was better to take a plea deal.
Your attorney should tailor the response to your specific situation. That means first taking a look at the strengths and weaknesses of your case and being honest about what comes next.
What Do You Need?
As in, what they need from you. A top DUI lawyer has this down to a science. They can steer you toward the proper paperwork so you show up to consultations and your court date prepared and ready to make the best impression.
Getting An Experienced DUI Lawyer Can Make Your Case
Working with a DUI lawyer that has experience in the field is the best way to avoid long-term driving ramifications, lost wages due to jail time, and maybe even the end of a career. You’ll want to pull out all the stops and not place your fate into the hands of a public defender.
Are you in need of a DUI lawyer for your case? Go with one of South Carolina’s most seasoned firms in McGrath Law Firm. Contact us today to set up a consultation.