Choosing A Good Lawyer

Choosing a good lawyer is important if you are being charged with driving under the influence. Finding a good lawyer is a little more difficult but not impossible. Researching potential lawyers is pertinent in obtaining the right lawyer for you. The charges you may face when up against a DUI charge can determine many factors in your life; a main factor would be future employment opportunities. Not only can a DUI charge be a hit against your good credentials, it can also be embarrassing. You want the best lawyer you can get to try to get the charges dismissed or punishment lessened in some way.

Some things you want to consider when looking for a lawyer are:

What you are being charged with? Is this your first offense? Was anyone injured? If this is your first DUI offense, you can still lose your license anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, depending on where you live. Injury to a person, whether they are in your car or in another, is considered being a "DUI with injury". If you are found guilty of this it is because you acted in some way to cause a collision. Running a red light or stop sign, tailgating, or speeding can cause an accident in which you are charged with this crime. If it is found that the collision is due to the other vehicle, "DUI with injury" can be dropped down to only a DUI offense.

Your blood alcohol content also plays a big role in the charges you face. The BAC limit in most states cannot exceed 0.08. The higher your levels, the more severe your punishment can be. You can also face expensive fines, community service, or even jail time.

Do have any special needs? Speak another language?

Make sure you are comfortable with the lawyer you choose. If you do not speak English as your first language, find a law firm that offers an interpreter or has a lawyer who speaks your native language fluently. With all the complicated words and laws involved in a criminal case, you need to be aware of everything that is being said. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand. A good lawyer will take the time to make you comfortable and aware of all the circumstances involving your case.

What are the individual lawyer or law firm's credentials and qualifications?

How much experience a lawyer has can be the key to a successful case. If your lawyer doesn't know the laws like the back of his/her hand, they may struggle to keep you afloat in the courtroom. Laws are always changing and you need a lawyer who stays on top of them so you are well represented in front of the judge.

Ask for references and talk to people who have used this lawyer for their own case. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in criminal law means they are more likely to know the laws involving DUI cases. The last thing you need is a lawyer who has no experience in handling DUI offenses.