A Honolulu Dui Lawyer Shares "must Ask" Questions To Ask A Potential Dui Lawyer

Your legal defense will depend upon finding the best lawyer you can for your case. Lawyers come with different specialties that affect their expertise and experience level. The fifteen questions that follow will help you avoid picking the wrong lawyer and having to deal with the negative consequences of that decision.

1. How long have you been a practicing lawyer?

This question is simple but very telling about how experienced your attorney is. The seriousness of your charges should make you wary of adding one more obstacle to your acquittal by hiring a novice lawyer.

2. Have you represented many clients in DUI cases?

You should consider someone "experienced" according to the number of cases they have prosecuted, not according to how long they have practiced law. You absolutely must hire an active DUI defense lawyer. Be sure to locate a DUI specialist.

3. Have you handled or helped in a similar case to this one?

You must avoid inexperienced lawyers, or lawyers who have tried few cases similar to yours. IF your lawyer has lots of DUI defense law experience, they've probably handled similar cases. Be sure you ask for specific examples from a potential DUI lawyer.

4. What number of cases do you have jury trial experience with?

Trial is an ever-present possibility if you are searching for an acquittal or a light sentence. You absolutely must prioritize hiring an attorney with plenty of trial experience. Once again, feel free and obligated to request examples and their results.

5. Do you have any significant past history in common with any expert witnesses?

A negative answer suggests that this attorney has prosecuted few cases that have gone to trial. These depend on your specific case, but they can be red flags sometimes.

6. How expensive could the case be when you add up: investigators, tests, attorney's fees, expert witness fees, etc? Are there any other fees?

Make sure you know as soon as possible how much your case could cost. Among the many things your DUI lawyer should know and inform you of is how costly your defense could be.

7. Who will actually be handling my case, and how experienced are they?

Some attorneys in firms work in teams. Confirm that the people who will be working on your case the most are as experienced as they can be. You have a right and a stake in knowing everything you can about every person assigned to your case.

8. Do you have legal malpractice insurance?

All attorneys are required to have this coverage.

9. Do you think there will be complications in my case?

If an attorney has experience in the area of DUI, s/he will have seen a lot of different situations involving drinking and driving. S/he will be able to draw on this experience to advise you about your own situation.

10. How will my case turn out?

Do not trust a lawyer who will give you a straight "yes" or "no" to this question. No competent DUI lawyer will seriously guarantee or predict your chances. The only legitimate promise a lawyer should make is to do their best to defend your rights.

11. Are any of the judges or prosecutors involved with my case familiar to you? Have you had any past interactions with them that would constitute a relationship, platonic, romantic or otherwise?

Relationships are important. Experienced lawyers are defined by their knowledge of those involved in your case and their ability to use that knowledge in your favor.

12. Has there been a recent DUI case that you have personally tried which returned a "Not Guilty" verdict?

You will be looking for a sure affirmative answer. Only an experienced lawyer will be capable of fully defending your rights.

13. Were you the recipient of disciplinary actions by the State Bar?

You absolutely do not want an attorney with State-Bar-logged disciplinary problems. You will have no problem finding a qualified attorney without these issues who can help you with your case.

14. Can you give me a written document that details all potential costs?

This should be a priority when you evaluate your DUI defense. You will either pay a comprehensive flat fee, or an hourly rate.

Here are some of the expenses that might be added to your costs: There are general expenses such as expert witness fees, service of subpoenas, independent blood analysis, and other costs connected with gathering evidence.

15. Are there any reasons why you shouldn't become involved in my case?

The seriousness of criminal charges makes it very important to have an absolutely committed DUI lawyer. Maintain eye contact with your attorney as you get their pledge before considering him/her hirable.

Make sure that the lawyers, their style, and their willingness to communicate with you are all satisfactory. It is not easy to deal with DUI charges. Keep stress down by making sure you can communicate with your lawyer when you need to.