Confused about how to pick out an attorney? Start here.
If you are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, you are likely overwhelmed and more than a bit stressed by what is to come. A California DUI conviction brings a host of consequences, from a license suspension to possible jail time to community service, mandatory alcohol education classes, and heavy fines and fees. With so much on the line, it is vital to choose a skilled Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense lawyer. But how can you know if you’re picking the best attorney for you?
While every person has their own idea of what makes a great lawyer, the key is to make an informed decision that works for you and your family. The following five tips can help you make a good choice.
- Experience Matters
- Check Reviews
- Who Will Represent You?
- Communication Counts
- First Impressions Matter
DUI cases may seem relatively straightforward, but the truth is that they can be complicated. For example, if you plan to challenge the results of your blood test, arguing that there was a false positive based on a medical condition or other issue, your Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense lawyer will need to understand the science behind blood alcohol concentration testing.
If an attorney isn’t familiar with California DUI law or hasn’t ever taken a DUI case to trial, they may not be able to obtain the most favorable result for you. An experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate a reduction in charges or even a dismissal. If the prosecutor is familiar with your attorney — and their track record — they may be more inclined to make a deal because they know that they’ll aggressively defend you. For these reasons, you should always check to see if an attorney has specific experience handling DUI cases before hiring them.
In the era of online shopping, there are few people who would buy anything without checking its rating and reading at least a few reviews. Why should picking a lawyer be any different?
Check a prospective attorney’s website to look for testimonials from former clients as well as case results. You can also look at review sites, such as Yelp, Google Plus, avvo.com and MartindaleHubbell.com to see what people are saying about a particular lawyer.
Many law firms have a number of attorneys on their staff. While this can be advantageous in many respects, it can have its drawbacks. You may go for an initial meeting and hit it off with an experienced lawyer, then decide to hire the firm based on that attorney’s reputation. Then you arrive at your first court date and learn the your case has been assigned to a young associate who you have never met.
While an attorney who looks young might have a substantial amount of experience and do a fantastic job, it isn’t who you thought you were hiring. When you are interviewing law firms, be sure to ask who will be representing you.
Being charged with a DUI can be incredibly stressful. When you hire a Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense lawyer, you want someone who will communicate with you throughout the process. An attorney should be available to you, by phone or email, so that you can receive updates about your case. Look for a lawyer who has options for communication that work for you.
A DUI defense lawyer should offer a free initial consultation, where they explain your rights and your options for defending the case. In that meeting, you will be able to get a sense of how you will work together with the attorney. Remember that no matter who you hire, you will need to cooperate with them in order to achieve the best result. Can you see yourself working well with this attorney?
You should also consider how the Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense lawyer’s office handled your appointment. Did you have to wait a long time to be scheduled for a consultation? Was your attorney late? Think about these things as you decide whether to hire this lawyer.
Attorney Dan E. Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm has substantial experience as a former prosecutor, and now as a private criminal defense lawyer. Our firm offers top notch DUI defense representation. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
