CHOOSING A SEMINOLE COUNTY DUI ATTORNEY

ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE?

When looking for a DUI/DWI attorney, the most important thing to remember is not to be afraid to ask questions. An attorney is best able to help a client who participates in and takes an active interest in his own defense.

Here are a few questions to ask in order to make an informed choice:

• How many years has the attorney been in practice?
  This will tell you about the attorney's potential experience. An experienced DUI lawyer has a proven track record of getting the best possible results for clients.
   
• How much experience does the attorney have representing persons who are charged with DUI?
  You want a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases and understands all the viable defenses and is able to minimize your penalties as necessary. You should leave the attorney's office confident that you have spoken to someone who has real expertise and experience in DUI law.
   
• How familiar is the attorney with the specific courtrooms, judges, and district attorneys in Seminole County?
  A comprehensive knowledge of the courts, judges and prosecutors should be used to derive a plan for each case that will produce the most desirable results for every client. There are certain situations where one courtroom may be more suitable for a case than another.
   
• How many cases has the attorney taken to jury trial?
  Your case might need to go to trial in order to get the outcome you deserve and it is imperative that your attorney have trial experience if it is required. Although it is fairly uncommon for a DUI case to go to trial, it is imperative that you choose a DUI defense attorney who is familiar with the DUI trial process and who is confident in taking your case to trial if it is advisable.
   
• Who will actually be handling the case and what are their qualifications?
  Most attorneys work with a team. The lawyer that you might be speaking with might not actually be the person who does the bulk of the work.
   
• Is the attorney covered by a legal malpractice insurance policy?
  Your attorney should have malpractice insurance. Malpractice insurance is just as much insurance for you as it is for your lawyer.
   
• Has the attorney ever been disciplined by the State Bar?
  You should consider the reputation of the attorney within the courts and legal community.  You do not want a lawyer with a long disciplinary record and you deserve to know if your lawyer has been disciplined in the past.
   
• Does the attorney consult with alcohol and technical experts in the analysis of a case?
  It is often advantageous to utilize the services of expert witnesses such as forensic toxicologists, accident reconstruction experts, and medical experts. Such expert witnesses are qualified to discuss the properties of chemical tests, accident reconstruction, Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and other scientific aspects of your case.
   
• What are all the potential legal costs, including investigators, experts and other costs?
  It is important to know what services are included when you hire a DUI attorney. Since the vast majority of cases are concluded by way of plea or dismissal prior to trial, it is rarely advantageous to pay a fee which you are told would include handling a trial.


• What challenges does the lawyer see in your case?
  The lawyer should be able to explain to you what he or she sees as the challenges you face and what they could mean for the ultimate result.
   
• What outcome does the attorney anticipate?
  A good attorney will not promise you a specific result because it is always impossible to be certain how a case will turn out. A good attorney can only offer an honest appraisal of your case and your chances and promise take a vigorous, proactive stance in defending you.


• How will the attorney keep you informed about your case?
  You must feel comfortable with the attorney's commitment to communicate with you. It is important to know whether you will be able to communicate directly with your attorney or if you will be dealing mostly with paralegals.

When you look for a DUI attorney in Seminole County, be completely forthcoming with the details of your case. Most importantly, be honest. Except in rare cases, if you are talking to an attorney face to face, even before he or she has decided to take your case, you already have attorney-client privilege. This means that nothing you say can be used against you. If you have any doubt that your communication with the attorney is "privileged," just ask.

SELECTING THE RIGHT SEMINOLE COUNTY DUI ATTORNEY

An experienced Seminole County DUI attorney will protect your rights and employ viable defenses to driving under the influence charges. Your legal representation can help navigate the system and come away with the best possible outcome, whether by getting charges thrown out or reduced, penalties minimized, or fighting for acquittal at trial.

 

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