Steps to Take During Your First Meeting with a DUI Lawyer
If you have been arrested for drinking under the influence, or DUI, you need to hire the services of a good DUI lawyer. Unlike civil lawsuits, the criminal justice system moves a lot faster so you will need to hire one very quickly. Considering that DUI laws vary in different states and cities, it's best to look for a local lawyer. Most people are not sure of what they should do or say during the first meeting with a lawyer. Below are some goals for your first meeting.
Find out about a lawyer's experience and legal background. If you want reliable legal representation, you need to choose a highly experienced Myrtle Beach DUI lawyer who has been practicing DUI law for many years in your area. Established lawyers have the knowledge and understanding of the laws violated in your case and will help you understand the possible charges you are facing and how best to get a favorable outcome. You should also ask if they have handled DUI cases like yours and find out the outcome of each.
Discuss your legal options and possible strategies in your case during the first meeting. Ensure that you provide as much information as you can during the first meeting so that a lawyer can give you a proper case assessment. You will be expected to answer questions that the lawyer asks. Prepare your own list of questions. Do you recommend a guilty plea? Is a plea agreement possible? Is trial a possibility? Which factors strengthen my case? What should I expect at different stages of my case?
You should also discuss your case management. One mistake that people do is failing to clarify who exactly will be dealing with their case and what roles they will be playing. It's critical to know the logistics of your case so as to avoid misunderstandings. Get to know who will be in charge of your case, whether the lawyer will be available to represent you, who else will be working on your case, who to call when you have questions, how they prefer to be contacted and how often you will be updated on your case. Click here to get started on this.
Ask about legal fees and how you are expected to pay them. Most DUI lawyers charge an hourly fee or a flat fee. Ensure that a lawyer is clear on their fee structure and how they accept payment. You should also find out about other expenses that you will have to pay and get an estimate of the total costs expected in your case. After the discussions, you need to ask yourself if you are comfortable with the lawyer. The best lawyer will be highly competent and have extensive knowledge of related DUI laws. Visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/31/marijuana-dui_n_4520129.html if you have questions about DUI.