If you’ve been convicted for driving under the influence of
alcohol or any other drug, you will probably need a DUI lawyer. For the
uninitiated, these lawyers are seasoned professionals who manage your case and
work on reducing your sentence. If you are a first-time offender, they might
also offer added resources that’ll help you deal with the situation better.
From handling the paperwork to negotiating with the prosecutor- these
professionals do it all. But how exactly do you find the best Orange County DUI
lawyer? What features should you look for while hiring these professionals?
Well, these are some of the questions we are going to explore over the next few
sections.
Do Proper Research
The best orange county DUI lawyers won’t just offer
superficial advice. Instead, they will hear you out, try to understand your
situation and will thoroughly assist you during the court proceedings. They
wouldn’t reprimand you for your behavior and offer an unbiased suggestion
instead. To settle with the best DUI professional, it is important to do proper
research. Look up online about the various Best DUI lawyers in orange county and
check the kind of services they offer. You can also look this up at your local
court. If you are still unsure, ask for suggestions from your reliable friends
and family. Hear what they have to suggest and recommend you. This will help
you understand, who exactly you should hire for the job.
List Them Out
If you want to organize your search better, list the
potential lawyers you are looking to hire. You can make an Excel spreadsheet or
follow a written log whereby you have a list of the attorneys you are looking
to consult. This list should include their full name, their specialty/ area of
expertise, contact number, email address, and physical address. In case you’ve
already had a conversation with them and have an idea about their fees, add an
extra column for the cost, where you include these expenses.
Check Their Qualification
Just because some professional is practicing as an attorney,
it doesn't necessarily mean that they are competent enough for handling your
case. For more clarity, check the State Bar Website to find out the lawyers who
are listed there. Next, see if those lawyers have any case of malpractice
registered against them. Also, check if they were charged for disciplinary
actions. Double-check your list and make sure the professionals there are
licensed for practicing in your specific state. Also, check if they are
familiar with the local laws operating in your area. Unless a lawyer has
experience handling local courts, do not choose them for the job. A
professional visiting the local courts will have a better understanding of the
judges, juries, and prosecutors. This will help them negotiate better.
Remember, these professionals can only offer sound legal
advice if they understand how the local law in your state operates.
Schedule a Meeting
Yes, in our busy lives, arranging a face-to-face meeting may
not always be convenient. It takes time from your day and also requires you to
drive. However, when it comes to choosing the right DUI attorney, it is
imperative to directly consult them over a face-to-face meeting. When you meet
your potential attorney, you get an opportunity to know how exactly they work
and whether you will get along with them in the first place. It will also help
you to ascertain if they are a great fit for your job.
While participating in these meetings, carry your paperwork
along so that your lawyer has complete clarity while you discuss your situation
with them. To make things simpler, create a list of important questions and
hand it over to them during your meeting. Ask them about the number of DUI jury
trials they have handled, their total experience in law (total years of
practice), their total number of guilty or not guilty verdicts, and the number
of years they have handled DUI defense. While the situation might seem complex
in the beginning; in reality, it is easier than ever. Just avoid being nervous
and treat this the same way as a job interview. Remember, DUI attorneys can be
costly and since you’re hiringthem to get your job done, it only makes sense to
ask these important questions.
Case Management and Legal Fees
Most DUI attorneys use a term called case management' for
describing the nature of handling your case. Since you're paying a hefty sum to
hire these professionals, it is only important to understand the logistics
behind it. Check if the lawyer you are interviewing is going to represent you.
If they don't, have an interview with the person who will represent you.
Directly ask them what to do when you have queries. Also, know about the usual
response time. Finally, check if you will get regular updates of the case. If
so, check how often you will get them and also see what they will include.
The next thing to consider is the billing method. Most DUI lawyers either charge hourly or flat fees. Check with your lawyer about their
preferred payment method. Ask them what this rate includes and what it doesn't.
Also, ask them about any related legal expenses that you might have to incur.
In case you do, request an estimate. Finally, also clarify about the payment
options and get to know if the fees (at any event) are refundable.
Bottom Line
Now that you know what exactly you need to choose the best
Orange County DUI attorney, follow our guidelines and select the best
professional for the job. Remember, it is completely normal to feel baffled if
you are doing this for the first time. But if you ask the right questions and
incorporate the tips we suggested, making the choice will be easier. The right
DUI lawyer will help you handle the situation better. At the end of the day,
you will make a better and more informed decision whereby you can resume your
usual activities sooner. Your license will not be revoked, and you can soon use
the same vehicle for heading to work and completing
errands.
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