If the police have charged you with DUI (driving under the influence, also known as driving while intoxicated) you need a lawyer.
The prosecution is readying a case against you, and you will soon find yourself facing a serious charge in court. Keep reading to learn more about why you need a lawyer and the three top tips for how to find a good DUI lawyer.
First, it is important for you to know that the Arizona government takes DUIs seriously. This means that a DUI charge can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, a DUI conviction in Scottsdale can result in serious criminal punishments such as:
- Jail;
- Fines;
- Community service requirements;
- A suspended or revoked license; and
- A mandated ignition interlock device.
And those penalties are just the tip of the iceberg. Other consequences can include points on your insurance, losing your job, and collateral damage to your reputation and relationships.
Even an initial DUI charge is not a matter to be taken lightly. This is why knowing how to find a good DUI lawyer is so important! They will know the procedures, rules, risks, and most importantly, the best defenses.
It is tempting to only worry about things like what happens if you go to jail or how much is a DUI lawyer going to cost. However, your focus first and foremost must be on getting a good DUI attorney. Here are three tips on how to do so.
Tip 1: Hire an Experienced Attorney
There are many types of lawyers. Some lawyers focus on criminal law. Since a DUI is a criminal offense, it may seem that finding a lawyer in that practice area is enough. Not so.
DUI is a very particular type of charge, and fighting it takes a lot of knowledge about the ins and outs of DUI rules. In other words, specific DUI experience matters. So our first recommendation is to get a law firm that has extensive experience in DUI work.
A DUI attorney will have the know-how to:
- Work to get the charges dismissed;
- Work to have the prosecutor lessen the charge;
- Work out a plea deal;
- Keep you abreast of the next steps in the proceedings; and
- Advise you throughout on the possible outcomes of the case.
This is not the time to rely on just any lawyer. If you are facing a DUI charge, you need a lawyer with a top-notch education who knows how to handle DUI cases.
Tip 2: Start Early
The timeline in which you hire the attorney may affect the number of options your attorney will have to fight for you. Therefore, our second recommendation is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
From the time you are followed and then stopped by the police, the justice system has laws in place to protect your rights. These protections continue through searches, interrogations, the trial, and even sentencing.
The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can begin advising you and speaking on your behalf. It is never too late to get a great lawyer. But the sooner you reach them, the sooner they can begin representing you and addressing:
- Your right not to be questioned without them present;
- Whether the police stop and search was legal;
- Whether law enforcement administered sobriety tests properly; and
- What the best options are for you regarding the charge (fight it, make a plea, etc.).
When you accept that moving quickly is in your best interest, you can take action to get a lawyer who gets results. With your cooperation and the lawyer’s outstanding skill combined, your case will be the strongest it can be.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Reputation and Recommendations
There is a reason that some lawyers have excellent reviews from clients. It is because they are good at what they do! Just like any service provider, people judge lawyers by the quality of their work.
So, still wondering how to find a good DUI lawyer? Follow our third tip—get recommendations and read reviews.
Know also that when former clients and other lawyers rave about a DUI attorney, it is also an indication that the lawyer is a reputable member of the legal profession.
For instance, reputable attorneys will be upfront with you. They will honestly answer questions like, How much is a DUI lawyer? They have nothing to hide and will be on the up and up with you in your consultation.
If you do your homework and choose a reputable attorney, you can:
- Trust them to serve your best interests; and
- Know that they have the ability and time to address your case.
Take charge of your DUI the best way you can. Act now to find an experienced DUI attorney with a rock-solid reputation. Following our first three tips will go a long way in teaching you how to find a good DUI lawyer.
Salwin Law Group: Your Top-Rated Defense Attorney
I am Steward Salwin and I am a veteran criminal law attorney. After receiving my undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, I attended Harvard Law School and learned from world-renowned defense attorneys.
Since that time, I have worked tirelessly in the criminal justice system and now fight for the rights of those accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes. There is not a case too small for me to tackle, or a person not worthy of a defense.
If you or someone you care about is facing a criminal charge, call 480-702-1789 today for a consultation. You can also reach my office online. I offer a free consultation for criminal defense matters.
Stewart Salwin
Stewart Salwin is the founder and lead attorney at Salwin Law Group, a Scottsdale criminal defense law firm based in the greater Phoenix area. His practice is primarily dedicated DUI-defense work. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, where he was taught criminal law by world-renowned defense attorneys.
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