how to choose a dui lawyer

attorney selection tips

If you are facing drunk driving charges in San Diego County, the most important decision you'll make is finding and hiring the right DUI lawyer to defend your case. Heres what to look for:

1. look for an attorney who practices dui defense only with offices in san diego

Not all criminal lawyers are created equal. Look for a DUI attorney whose practice is dedicated 100% to drunk driving defense. A lawyer who spreads his or her practice over several areas of law cannot possibly stay current and informed enough to challenge the highly scientific, complex and technical nature of DUI law. Ask the prospective San Diego attorney if they defend other types of criminal cases besides DUI - DWI - Drunk Driving, and DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) related cases. Ask the lawyer when he or she last contested a DUI case in California that resulted in a favorable outcome. Ask the attorney what percentage of his cases are Driving Under the Influence related.

2. look for an attorney with an excellent reputation

Look to hire an attorney who has a stellar record of satisfied clients and case results.

3. look for an attorney who will personally represent your case...

rather than assigning it to an inexperienced or less successful associate. Ask the prospective attorney if they personally will be handling your San Diego DUI case, and how much time they will spend on it. Ask the DUI lawyer if there will be any paralegals or junior attorneys working on your case (and if so, to what extent will they be involved in your drunk driving case?). If the answers to these questions are yes, it is very probable the attorney you are considering hiring will not be the one who handles your case. If you suspect this to be true, ask if you can meet with and interview those contractors or associates who will be responsible for your defense. Why settle for a trainee to defend you if he or she isn't accomplished enough to establish their own clientele and law practice? The attorney likely to be assigned your case may be working for a pay rate at the low end of the wage scale, and moving on as soon as they can command a better salary.

4. look for an attorney very familiar with local judges, prosecutors & police

Ask the prospective attorney if he or she is known and respected by San Diego County magistrates, judges, prosecutors, expert witnesses, San Diego Police officers, and fellow attorneys. Ask the DUI lawyer if he or she is known for aggressively and effectively challenging San Diego DUI cases on a regular basis. Ask for references for others in the San Diego community who can verify what he or she tells you.

5. look for an attorney without disciplinary records with the cal state bar

Ask the prospective San Diego DUI Lawyer if she or he has ever been disciplined, reprimanded, or suspended by the San Diego and/or California State Bar. The DUI Lawyer you are considering should have an exemplary, unblemished performance record and demonstrate high ethics and standards. Ask the prospective attorney if they, a partner, or associate has ever been the target of a grievance for poor conduct. Ask the lawyer you are considering for your defense if all of the firm's eligible staff members are able to pass the Bar exam when attempted. Ask if all the firm's staff members can competently achieve the minimum requirements set forth in their field and occupation.Check your prospective DUI attorney's disciplinary record with the California State Bar

6. look for a lawyer available after you pay the retainer

Ask the DUI Attorney if he or she will be available to discuss your case with you by phone, electronic mail, and or in person. Ask your prospective DWI Lawyer if they employ salespeople to meet with and retain clients. When making your initial phone or email contact inquiry to the law firm, ask them if your initial consultation will be held with a qualified attorney, or an unlicensed salesperson. If the attorney wont take the time to meet with you when he's pursuing your money, how likely will it be that he'll be available once your fees are paid? If you will be meeting with a DUI Case salesperson, ask what the minimum requirements and qualifications are for salesperson who is advising you, and ask what the selection criteria is for the law firm's hiring practices. Is your attorney hiring the cheapest labor he can find in order to fatten his profits? Make a note of how employees are treated, interact amongst each other and communicate with other clients both over the phone and in person. Chances are you'll be treated in a way reflective of what you observe or sense.

7. Look for a lawyer-client relationship you are comfortable with

Does your prospective attorney take the time and interest to listen to you intently? Does the DUI lawyer pay close attention to details and ask questions pertinent to your case and relevant to your concerns?

8. look for an attorney who employs expert witnesses and professionals

Ask a prospective attorney if he employs the services of expert toxicologists, independent laboratories, DMV & Licensing Specialists, and other expert witnesses. Ask him or her if they plan on visiting the scene of your DUI arrest to review and weigh the evidence and statements according to the police report on your DUI case.

9. look for an attorney who charges a respectable professional fee

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you are quoted a very low fee, or quoted an exact cost over the phone, chances are you are dealing with a bargain basement or discount attorney who will likely advise you to plead guilty after obtaining his fees. When it comes to legal representation, you will get what you pay for. Ask a prospective DUI attorney what fees and extra costs might be incurred down the road. Ask if the fee they quote you is all-inclusive, or if they will be charging you by the hour as well. Price should never be your main consideration, unless you are indifferent about the outcome of your DUI case, in which case you wouldn't be shopping for a lawyer. Does the fee cover the DMV hearing, expert fees, blood reanalysis, and other costs? If your case should go to trial, will you be billed for additional fees? Will the DUI defense lawyer provide a written contract setting forth all costs, services and any promised actions or outcomes? It bears repeating, facing a DUI charge can turn your life upside down for many years. You need competent legal representation that will defend your case and preserve your freedom. Use the above as a checklist to ensure you find an attorney who fits your needs.