Good DUI Attorneys
If you read all the celebrity magazines, you could be fooled into thinking DUI charges are pretty cool these days. Britney, Paris and Lindsay have all done it. What’s not cool though is not being able to drive your car and having to cough up a heap of money.
Well, if you’re not a celebrity with a driver and a roll of cash you carry around that is. Celebrities don’t always get off easy though; Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie both did jail time for alcohol related charges. Even Paris Hilton admitted that is was a hellish place while serving her sentence out. She came out of jail claiming she was a changed woman and sitting in a concrete cell changed her and helped her see the true purpose of her life. If you are facing DUI charges it may be time to enlist the services of a good criminal lawyer.
If you are facing a DUI you are up against some serious charges. Many people don’t take a DUI charge seriously enough; they turn up to their hearing without a lawyer and rely on the whim of the court. This could be a huge mistake. You don’t need to be told that a DUI charge can result in loss of license, huge penalties or jail time.
Hiring the Right Attorney.
A good attorney could have a huge impact on your case. A conviction could change your life. Beyond the threat of jail time, there is your own reputation to think about. How would your family and friends react? How would this affect your life at work? Don’t fall into the mistake of hiring a general attorney to look after your DUI case. If you have a felony conviction you will need to disclose this at all future job interviews. If you are involved in any family law disputes, a conviction will seriously hinder any custody applications you have made, it could be demonstrated that it is not your child’s best interest for you to be a part of their life. Hiring a criminal lawyer who is well versed in DUI penalties in your state could be a wise move.
You will need to find a lawyer who specializes in matters such as these, such as a litigation lawyer, or a criminal lawyer. Of course there are DUI attorneys who only handle matters such as these. Before you sign up with lawyers you should schedule a meeting with them first. Make sure they have experience in cases like yours. A Google search of their name should bring up court records which will detail recent winnings. Of course, a good litigation lawyer will keep thorough records of these and will provide them to you without you asking. Find out how many, if not all, of their case load is DUI related. It’s also important to know what fees you are liable for before you sign up. Many DUI attorneys work with a one off fee.
Others, usually the more sought after and experienced criminal lawyer will charge an hourly rate. It is likely a litigation lawyer will charge you an hourly rate also. There are also some administrative charges you may need to pay. You should feel comfortable with your attorney before you appoint them. Make sure the attorney you consult with is the one who will handle your case. Some firms have the most experienced attorneys meet with you initially, then have a junior handle the case.