It’s not uncommon for people to relax with a drink or two after a long day of work before heading home. But, even if it was only one drink, driving under the influence can lead to a vehicle accident or personal injury.
In most countries, people who commit this crime can be charged with a hefty fine and possibly jail time. A DUI arrest is quite a stressful experience and it’s difficult to handle the circumstances by yourself. It is very crucial to hold your composure enough to deal with the situation as best you can and the best way to do that is by hiring a DUI lawyer.
Here are some crucial tips to consider when hiring a vehicle accident or DUI attorney.
Know the State Laws
It’s illegal for drivers, 21 years or older, to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The legal limit is around 0.02%. Moreover, multiple charges can be implied to you in the case of your state or with the violation of more than one law.
If you accidentally hurt someone, you might also face criminal charges. The right DUI lawyer will help you assess the problem and advise you on what to do next.
Don’t Represent Yourself
Many people think of representing themselves. But since most don’t have the training or knowledge required to properly handle the situation, it’s not advisable. Judges also tend to be impatient with defendants representing themselves that are uneducated about court rules.
It’s not completely a bad idea if you have some experience in the field but in most instances, it doesn’t end well and might jeopardize the entire case.
Search for Experienced Professionals
If you’re going to deal with such a case, you need to find someone that has experience with vehicle accident cases and DUI cases. Online reviews and testimonials are a good way to start looking if you can’t get any personal recommendations from family or friends.
If you’re looking for the best Edinburg TX accident attorney, it’s important to your research. Take a look at their case backgrounds and their track record of fighting DUI charges.
Listen to Previous Clients
Another important consideration to check when hiring an attorney is their relationship with previous clients. Clients’ experience with a lawyer can tell you a lot about what to expect. You can ask their opinion on the entire situation and how well the lawyer prepared them for the court day.
Listen carefully to their experiences and how satisfied they were with the lawyer. If the previous clients name several complaints, it’s best to move on to a different lawyer.
Consider the Firm’s Size
Even if you’re looking for a single lawyer for your DUI case, the reputation and size of the firm they work for can make a huge difference. A bigger firm will take care of its reputation by giving more effort and attention to your case and ensuring the best outcome.
Many large firms also often have good relations with prosecutors and law enforcement so there won’t be favoritism or a lack of professionalism from either side.
Establish Comfort with Your Attorney
Forming a strong relationship and understanding with your attorney will be crucial to your case. If you aren’t comfortable enough to share details about your charges with your lawyer, something that jeopardizes your defense might get revealed.
That is why it’s important to be confident in your attorney’s ability to help you. Take the initial consultation as an opportunity to see how well your relationship could be with the attorney.