Once you have been charged with a DUI, you may think that you need to hire an attorney, any attorney-fast. But, remember, even with the charges you are facing, you have the right to find an attorney that you want to represent you. Since the first step after you’ve been charged with a DUI in Springfield, MO, is to find an attorney who can help you with your case, you’ll want to find an attorney you can trust.
DWI Springfield explains the questions you should ask to distinguish a good lawyer from a great one. Don’t settle for the first lawyer you contact! Talk to multiple local lawyers in the Springfield, MO area before deciding who you want to represent you in court.
It is also essential to know that the first conversation you have with an attorney should not be the last one you have with them before hiring them. Finding the right lawyer for you should be more like an interview. Here are some of the top ten most important questions you should ask when you first meet a DUI attorney in Springfield.
Table of Contents
#1 – What Is Your Experience With DUI Cases?
Make sure that the attorney you’re speaking with regularly works on felony duiI and DWI cases in Springfield, MO. A DUI attorney will be more familiar with the nuances of the laws in this area compared to a lawyer who specializes in family or injury law. DUI lawyers also regularly work with the officers and judges in their field and will have a better feel for how your case will go over with the people who will be handling it.
#2 – Do You Work On Other Types of Cases?
Avoid lawyers who are spread too thin, or take any case that comes their way. Alternatively, if you are facing other charges, such as criminal charges alongside your DUI case, hiring a criminal defense attorney with a background in DUI may be the best option for you.
#3 – What’s Your Track Record For Winning Cases?
Don’t be scared to ask this question, experienced attorneys with excellent track records are more than happy to share their successes with potential clients. Conversely, if an attorney is hesitant about answering this question, it’s probably a sign they don’t win many of their cases. Pro Tip: Check online reviews.
#4 – How Strong is My Case?
This question allows you to gauge how well an attorney understands what is going on with your case. Whether they believe you have a strong case or not doesn’t matter as much as whether they can explain it to you in a way that you can understand. A lawyer that can communicate well with you will be more helpful as your case progresses.
# 5 What Are The Best Possible Outcomes For My Case? What Are The Worst?
Just like the previous question, this is an opportunity to discover how well your DUI lawyer communicates, as well as to see the range of what they are and aren’t capable of in an honest way. Beware of attorneys who only give you the positive outcomes;it is probably too good to be true.
#6 What Are My Options
With this question, you will be better able to understand how a particular lawyer will approach your case and the potential outcomes for each scenario. Lawyers who offer you limited options are likely not as experienced as those who can provide you with different courses of action in detail.
#7 How Much Will It Cost?
This may be the first question you ask since, if you can’t afford a lawyer, they aren’t the right one for you. However, even if funds are tight, you must weigh the benefits from earlier questions against the cost of services to determine the best lawyer for you while staying in your budget. To find out more about the maximum percentage a lawyer can charge, visit this website: https://colonialsun.com/
#8 What Services Are Included In Your Fee?
The initial quote you get for your defense may not include extra hidden fees, so be sure to ask what is all included in the price you are given. Also, feel free to ask how much your lawyer charges for research time, travel, phone calls, meetings, paperwork, etc. It’s up to you to understand the details of what you’re paying for before you hire them to work for you.
#9 Who Will Handle My Case?
Many law firms have multiple lawyers that are more than capable of handling your case, so the first lawyer you speak with may not be the one that is handling your case. You need to know who will be working on the details of your case, and who will be appearing in court to represent you. If it’s not the same person you’re asking these questions to, you may not be getting the level of experience you expected from your attorney.
#10 What Certifications or Training Do You Have in Relation To DUIs?
Last but certainly not least, ask your attorney what certifications or training they have. Some attorneys are certified in breathalyzer use, which may prove beneficial to your case. Though not always necessary, extra certifications that relate to your specific situation can help decide between two lawyers.
If you need help finding an attorney to help you with your DUI charge in Springfield, MO, call DWI Springfield today. We are more than happy to answer any and all of your questions.