Getting arrested for a DWI can undoubtedly be a frightening and scary experience. It is important to understand that you are in hot water, if you have been pulled over by the police and then charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). Depending on the charge and your prior criminal history, your situation can end up getting worse if you don’t have the right DWI lawyer by your side. Some of the serious consequences that are often associated with a DWI charge include completely losing your license, hefty fines, along with some serious jail time. Due to these consequences, it is of the utmost importance that you choose the best DWI lawyer.
This means that you should certainly not make this decision in a rush. Just because a criminal lawyer has cleared the bar doesn’t mean that they are capable of taking on your case. There are a number of considerations to be taken into account before you make this decision. Criminal lawyers can be found a dime-a-dozen almost everywhere nowadays. However, it is important to remember that not all of these lawyers will specialize in DWI, or they may simply not have the trial expertise you require for your case.
Going with the wrong criminal lawyer is one of the top reasons that many defendants are served with unexpected and harsh outcomes due to a DWI case. If you don’t want the same to happen to you, then you have to be thorough. You will come across plenty of DWI lawyers in Springfield, but you don’t just opt for any of them. There are some factors to consider before you make your decision. What are they? Let’s take a look:
– Take their experience in DWI cases into account
Just because they are a DWI lawyer is no guarantee that they are a good one. You have to take a look at how many DWI cases they have handled and the results they have achieved in them. It is absolutely necessary that you opt for a lawyer that has significant experience in dealing with a DWI because you want to have a favorable outcome in your case. Every crime is tried and treated in a different manner and this is also applicable to different court systems and the charges that are handed down. Hence, you should ensure that your lawyer has local experience and are familiar with the court where your case is to be tried.
– Consider the size and reputation of the law firm
Why does size matter when you are choosing a law firm? The simple fact is that the larger the firm, the greater their burden, which means there is a possibility that your case is sidelined. While this is certainly not a guarantee, but larger firms are busier and this means that your case may not get the close attention you are after.
Generally, smaller firms tend to have more time to dedicate to a specific case, but you should remember that experience can also make a difference. Ultimately, you will have to select a company size you are comfortable with and where you can get the attention and experience you need.
– Make sure a free consultation is available
One of the most important factors that need to be considered is the availability of free consultation. A free consultation with the lawyer provides you with the chance to assess their style, experience and their overall personality. Any legitimate firm will offer you this option and if they don’t, then it is a good idea to explore some other options. You definitely don’t want to choose a lawyer for your DWI case without getting a feel for them first. Moreover, they should also be able to provide you with an honest assessment about the potential outcomes of your case.
– Ensure that you will get direct access
Being able to work with your lawyer closely can give you peace of mind. You should be able to get direct access to your lawyer whenever you require it. This includes a direct phone number that you can use, along with a one-on-one service, for getting answers to your concerns and questions.
There are some lawyers out there who palm-off most of the casework to non-legal personnel in their office or a paralegal, which can be extremely frustrating for you, particularly when you don’t know how the legal system works. Therefore, when you are selecting a lawyer, you should ensure that they will be directly available to you.
– Check their rates
When you are planning to hire an experienced lawyer for handling your DWI case, you definitely need to take their affordability into account. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that price is not the most important consideration. You shouldn’t make your decision based solely on cost, but it is definitely a good idea to find out if you can afford their rates or whether they offer a payment plan.
It is also a good idea to do some research and get quotes from some other DWI lawyers, as this will give you a chance to do a price comparison. But, you should remember that the cheapest rate may not necessarily the best. In fact, it is quite rare for it to be so. You need to think about whether you are willing to risk your freedom in order to save a few bucks. organic dining
– Ask for references
Before you make your final decision, it is definitely a good idea to ask the lawyer to provide you with some references of other clients for whom they handled DWI charges. When you talk to some of the previous clients they have worked with, it will give you a better idea of how the lawyer will be able to handle a case like yours. If you get positive and honest feedback, then it is the greenlight you need for hiring the DWI lawyer to handle your case. It will also give you confidence that they will be able to deal with the details easily and competently.