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DUI Attorney Checklist – Choose the Best DUI Attorney for Your Case

Written by David O
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DUI Attorney Checklist – Choose the Best DUI Attorney for Your Case

Choosing a DUI attorney to help with your DUI case can be an overwhelming task.  DUI attorney ads are everywhere and they all claim they are the greatest attorney in town.  So how does a person begin to try to find a good attorney, one that is the best fit for them and their case?  Follow these simple steps and use our DUI Attorney Checklist to make your decision easier.

Step 1: Start by reading client reviews.  These client reviews may be listed on the lawyer’s website or on other reputable review websites such as AVVO.com and Yelp.com.  Reading client reviews will give you a general impression of the attorney’s character, compassion level, and work ethic. However, be forewarned that not all client reviews are real!  Some attorneys have paid companies to write fake reviews to make themselves and their law firm to appear better than what they really are.  If client reviews sound too good to be true, than they generally are too good to be true. Reviews that lack personality or fail to make some type of personal connection with the attorney are most likely fake as well.

Now, after reading through some client reviews, hopefully it would have helped narrow your search of attorneys that could potentially meet your legal needs.

Step 2:  Call to schedule an in person meeting and legal consultation with the attorneys.  If possible, meet with at least 2-3 attorneys in person so you can get a good idea of who is the best fit for you and your case.  It is very important you choose an attorney that you feel comfortable with and confident in their ability to look out for your best interest.

Most DUI and criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations at their offices to talk about your case and answer questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the best and most qualified lawyers will welcome your questions.

Step 3:  Bring the DUI Attorney Checklist to each of your legal consultations.  It is up to you if you would like to fill it out during the meeting or after, but it will be handy to have at the meeting so you can ask all the appropriate questions.

 

DUI Attorney Checklist CheckmarkDUI Attorney Checklist

 

  The law firm only practices DUI and criminal defense.

 

  The lawyer you are speaking with has represented many individuals that have faced DUI charges.

 

  They will take your DUI case to trial if necessary and have ample DUI trial experience.

 

  You feel that the attorney listens well and they have answered all your questions with ease and clarity.

 

  The attorney speaks clearly and they tell you about your legal options in a manner that you can understand.

 

  The law firm appears well-organized and the lawyers are dressed professionally and present themselves well.

 

  The law firm was easy to contact by phone or email and they replied in a timely manner.

 

  The attorney did not quote a legal fee over the phone or make promises about your case prior to meeting in person.

 

  The attorney clearly explained the cost of representation.

 

  You felt confident in the attorney’s professional abilities.

 

  You felt respected by the attorney.

 

  You felt comfortable talking with the attorney.

 

Which ever attorney receives the most check marks from this checklist is most likely the best fit for you and your DUI case.  Call David O Defense today 206-459-6392, to schedule a free legal consultation if you are facing a DUI charge.  Don’t forget to bring your DUI Attorney Checklist, to make choosing a DUI attorney easier!

 

 

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Likely 1st Round NFL Draft Pick, P.J. Williams, Arrested for DUI

Written by David O
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Likely 1st Round NFL Draft Pick, P.J. Williams, Arrested for DUI

Last Friday, March 3rd, former Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams was arrested for DUI.  Florida State University Police reports say that Williams was clearly under the influence of alcohol due to his slurred speech and swaying back and forth while standing. Williams, however is denying the DUI allegation, saying he was not drunk that day and that he is planning to fight the case to prove his innocence.

The 21-year old football phenom allegedly was pulled over by Florida State Univ. police around 3 am for making an illegal left turn while exiting a McDonald’s.  Police also say they saw him swerve and almost side swipe a curb.

During the DUI investigation, police say P.J. Williams attempted to play the famous athlete card… don’t you know who I am?  I’m a FSU football player, about to be drafted into the NFL…  Needless to say, it had no effect on police and they still arrested him for DUI and hauled him into jail.

Later that morning, P.J. posted the $500.00 bail and was released.  Since the DUI arrest, P.J. has hired a lawyer to defend his drunk driving charge.  A few days later, on the 7th he officially pled not guilty to the DUI charge.

His lawyer released statements about the DUI arrest saying, “He did have a drink or two earlier,” but he cut himself off hours before getting behind the wheel to because he was the designated driver that night.  “… he was taking everyone to McDonald’s.  “It’s what 21-year olds do.”

P.J.’s defense attorney is optimistic about the DUI case, telling reporters that Williams did not submit to the DUI breathalyzer test or a blood draw so there is no BAC (blood alcohol content) result.  Additionally, the video surveillance taken by the police car dash cam may actually help P.J.’s DUI case.

Williams is adamant he was not DUI and he and his attorney plan to fight the charge to the end, even if that means taking the case to trial.  P.J. is due back to court soon.  The NFL draft pick begins on April 30th, and hopefully P.J.’s DUI arrest won’t hinder his chances of becoming a pro ball player.

 

 

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A Desire for Fast Food Results in a McDonald’s DUI Charge

Written by David O
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A Desire for Fast Food Results in a McDonald’s DUI Charge

An unbelievable but true story about a McDonald’s DUI charge out of Leesburg, Florida. Released today by the Orlando Sentinel was a story about a young women allegedly under the influence of alcohol who was arrested and charged with DUI after causing a large commotion in a McDonald’s drive thru.

Lydia Grace Kelm, must have had a major hankering for some McDonald’s chicken nuggets, french fries, or something good and greasy because the 23-year-old nurse decided to go to McDonald’s at 3:30 a.m. only wearing her bra and panties.  According to the McDonald’s employees, Lydia made quite a disturbance in the drive thru by revving her car engine loudly while trying to back out twice, to which the employees had to yell and motion her to drive forward.  According to an affidavit signed by McDonald’s employees, Lydia “seemed to be confused, lethargic” and “had slurred speech.”

Employee’s promptly called local police to investigate the situation.  Upon questioning, the police immediately suspected Lydia was under the influence of alcohol, especially when she openly admitted to drinking three beers prior to driving.  Officers asked Lydia to perform the DUI field sobriety tests and provided a jacket for coverage and warmth, since it was only 48 degrees outside.

Lydia failed the DUI field sobriety tests and her breath test revealed her BAC level was three times the Florida State legal limit of .08.  Unfortunately, Lydia was arrested in her bra and panties and was hauled off to the Lake County Jail where she was charged with DUI.

Lydia has since bonded out of jail and probably won’t be going back to the North 14th Street McDonald’s anytime soon.

McDonald’s DUI Charge – Mistakes Made by Lydia

Lydia made a few critical mistakes while being investigated by police for DUI.  First she should have asked to speak with her DUI attorney immediately.  Second, she should have exercised her right to remain silent and refused to answer any questions asked by officers.  Third, Lydia should have respectfully declined to taking the DUI field sobriety tests, they are voluntary.  If Lydia wouldn’t have made these three mistakes, her DUI case would have been in a better position to defend.

Don’t make the same mistakes… Remember to call David O Defense if you are ever being investigated for DUI or a criminal charge, 206-459-6392.

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