Driving while intoxicated [DWI] or driving under influence [DUI] is a serious offense, which can lead to losing a driving license, hefty fines, and in the worst scenario, serving a serious jail term. When you are facing a DWI/DUI offense, you need first to admit that you are in trouble and find ways to handle it. You must be well prepared and more informed to face the situation head.
One of the best ways you can tackle your DWI/DUI case is to hire an experienced DWI lawyer from Sayegh I Sayegh. The lawyer will help you prepare adequately for the case. He or she will offer you a shoulder to lean on and protect your rights. But hiring the right DWI lawyer can be quite challenging, and you may end up making mistakes that can cost you a lot in the end. In this article, we explore some of the most common mistakes people usually make when it comes to hiring a DWI lawyer. So, without wasting more time, let’s delve into them.
- Hiring a lawyer who is not a DWI lawyer
If you are involved in a DWI case, you need to hire a lawyer who specializes in DWI laws. Your criminal defense lawyer may not be the best person to hire for your DUI case because they may not properly understand the law of DUI. A good DUI lawyer has broad experience defending cases similar to yours. Hiring a lawyer who focuses on other areas of the law won’t be good for your DUI case.
DUI/DWI laws are generally complicated. Navigating a DUI defense requires properly-polished skills to effectively challenge every aspect of your stop, test, and arrest, as well as discredit unreliable witnesses or evidence. In addition to that, the ability to understand the science of correctly determining blood alcohol content as well as knowing how to challenge breath, blood, and other test results can make a huge difference between conviction and acquittal. Having an experienced DWI lawyer by your side can lead to a positive outcome for your case.
- Falling for advertised lawyers
Hiring the first lawyer you come across through billboards, newspaper ads, or online can be a recipe for disaster. Just because a lawyer’s picture and phone number are on a huge billboard, TV ad, or newspaper ad doesn’t mean that they are the perfect choice for you. Those ads may mean that they have the money to promote themselves.
A good DWI lawyer’s work will speak for itself. So they don’t need to spend too much money on ads. So, when looking for a DUI lawyer, don’t limit your choices to those that you see on ads.
- Failing to do your research
It is no secret that hiring a good DUI lawyer needs proper homework. You must do your due diligence before you hire a DUI lawyer. The best and speedy way to find a DUI lawyer is through contacts. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. Once you get some recommendations, you need to do a bit of research. You can start by looking through the lawyers’ website to get a better understanding of their credentials, experience, and general approach, particularly in DWI matters. Avoid DUI lawyers on your recommendation list who haven’t included the vital information about themselves on their website.
- Failing to read online reviews
One of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a DUI lawyer is failing to read online reviews. Through these reviews, you will learn what people are saying about the lawyer, how the lawyer generally handles his or her clients, and any other essential information. So basically, these online reviews can help you make a more informed decision whether or not the lawyer is the right fit.
- Not asking the right questions
Once you have chosen your preferred DWI lawyer, it is time to schedule an appointment with him or her. You need to meet the lawyer face to face and see the lawyer’s office, how his or her staff handles clients, and his or her communication style.
Once you meet up with the lawyer, there are plenty of questions you need to ask him or her. These questions include:
- How long have you been practicing DUI/DWI law?
- How many DUI/DWI cases have you handled?
- Will you be defending my DWI/DUI case, or another lawyer in your office will be representing me?
Getting answers to these questions can help you decide whether or not the lawyer will represent your case well.
- Hiring a too busy DWI lawyer
One of the factors you should consider when hiring a DUI lawyer is availability. You need to hire a DUI lawyer who is available and will always be there for you when you need him or her. This can make a huge impact on your case. You can ascertain the lawyer’s availability during your initial consultation. Ask him or her how available he is and if they will give your case the much attention it needs. If you notice that the lawyer has so much on his or her plate and you believe that he won’t prioritize your case, it is available to look for another lawyer who will represent you well.
- Compromising on cost
Another mistake that you should avoid making when hiring a DUI lawyer is getting an inexperienced lawyer just to save a little cash. This is a mistake that can cost you a lot in the end. Don’t focus on cost alone when hiring a DUI lawyer; instead, look for other factors such as qualifications, experience, and reputation. Cheap is always expensive, and hiring a DUI lawyer who charges extremely low legal fees may just mean that they are not qualified and experienced. So they won’t be able to represent you well in your case, which may negatively affect your case.
Final thoughts
Of course, when someone is involved in a DWI/DUI case, they want the best lawyer who will handle the case and make them acquitted of the crime. By avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes, you will surely end up hiring the best DUI lawyer who will represent you well in the case and put the matter behind you so that you can move on with your life.