Friday, August 29, 2014

What You Need to Know Before Hiring a DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you need a DUI lawyer that is an expert at fighting these types of cases.  A DUI is a serious offense and should be treated with the same level of care that you would give to a criminal charge.  It can have long-term consequences that include financial and social risks.  Additionally, DUIs can come with jail time so hiring the right attorney is important for protecting your rights and your freedom.
Before you hire a lawyer here is what you need to know:

Location is Important
Look for an attorney that is located within your county or the county where you were arrested.  If you hire someone from outside of the area, you will end up paying more in legal fees as they will bill you for the time it takes them to drive to court.  Additionally, each county has nuances that when known can help your attorney navigate through the court system.  Local attorneys have the benefit of the inside scoop.

DUI Law is a Special Practice Area
There are many types of lawyers out there, some of which practice general law, meaning that they do everything.  When you work with a DUI lawyer, you will have access to better representation because this is what they focus on.  For example, you wouldn’t hire a business attorney to handle your divorce case.  Similarly, it doesn’t make sense to hire a family lawyer for your DUI.  When you work with an experienced DUI attorney, you have access to the additional resources that their experience may provide.

Build a Strong Defense
Look for an attorney that will work to build a strong defense in your favor. Everything is up for debate including the circumstances leading up to the arrest, the arrest itself, and any equipment that was used to determine whether or not you were intoxicated. If you were arrested for a DUI, you don’t have to accept it and assume guilt.  You can fight the charges and should.  The key is hiring the right DUI lawyer that is willing to fight for your rights and to work towards getting the charges dropped or reduced.

You May Not Go to Court
Depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the negotiating skills of your lawyer, you may not have to go to court.  You can decide whether or not you want to try to settle the charges outside of court or fight them fully.  The choice is yours, so it is important to hire an attorney that is willing to help with the case, regardless of which direction it takes.

As an experienced DUI lawyer, Ms. Martina Vigil understands how important it is to fight DUI charges.  A conviction can have negative consequences that last for years so make sure that you are working with an attorney that can fight for your rights.  To schedule a consultation with Ms. Vigil call (714) 543-5840.