Choosing the right defense attorney to represent your DUI or criminal case is of utmost importance for your case’s outcome. Here is a checklist to help you hire a great lawyer to defend your case.
Choosing A DUI | Criminal Defense Attorney – Checklist
√ Does the attorney practice criminal defense or DUI defense exclusively?
- If so, how long have they practiced criminal and DUI law?
√ Does the attorney have any Washington State Bar complaints filed against them?
√ Does the attorney appear professional?
- Are they well-groomed and dressed in professional attire?
- Is their office clean and organized?
- Does their law firm appear to be doing well?
- Is the law firm accredited by the Better Business Bureau – Rated A?
√ Is the attorney able to articulate the law and communicate clearly?
- If so, will he/she be a strong negotiator?
√ Were you able to contact the lawyer easily?
- Does the attorney communicate by text, email, and/or phone in a timely manner?
√ Did the lawyer quote legal fees over the phone without getting to know you or the facts of your case?
√ Do low fees indicate a “dump truck” lawyer – a lawyer who quickly collects money and then makes you plead guilty?
√ Did the defense attorney promise case results over the phone without investigating the facts of your case?
√ Does the DUI and/or criminal defense attorney have real client reviews or testimony listed on valid websites such as Avvo, Google, or Yelp?
- Be cautious of attorneys that have a lot of reviews or reviews that sound too good – they are most likely fabricated!
√ Does the law firm offer affordable payment plans?
√ Lastly and most importantly, do you feel comfortable with the attorney, do you think they will be a good fit?
Written by Senior DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney, David O
Thank you for this easy to digest information. I think that laying it out in the form of a checklist can be beneficial to those who are quickly searching for a DUI attorney to represent them. I agree that the DUI lawyer you choose to go with should make you feel comfortable. That’s why setting up consultations are a great way to determine whether an attorney is a good fit for you or not. Make sure to choose a local DUI attorney, with a proven track record and great communication skills, to get you through your hearings. Thanks again for sharing!
There are many people who don’t bother with fighting a DUI charge and, because of that, it can be hard to tell what to look for in a DUI defense attorney. I particularly like that the article warns readers against attorneys that just promise results over the phone. Instead, you need to make sure that the DUI defense attorney is willing to go over your case options with you thoroughly before deciding on a path.
I do like that you suggested checking how long the lawyer that you’re interested in has been practicing DUI law. This is something that I will be sure to keep in mind because I’m looking for a DUI attorney that’s expert in handling DUI cases to ensure a favorable outcome for me. Thanks for sharing all your tips on choosing a DUI attorney.
The best part of your blog for me is when you talked about how you should consider checking how long the lawyer that you’re interested in has been practicing DUI law. I heard that my sister is looking for a lawyer that can help her husband face the DWI case that was charged to him. It’s important for them to win the case, so it will make sense for them to hire an experienced DWI lawyer.