You thought you were fine to drive, after all it was just a couple of shots. Then, you got pulled over for drunk driving. Faced with the offence, how do you choose the right DUI lawyer to represent you?
Reputation
You may have been referred to a lawyer to handle your case but before hiring them, do your own research first. Ask the person who made the referral other than the fact that you need a lawyer. Ask around if there are others who know his reputation as a lawyer. Search online if he is one of the drink driving lawyers Fairfield. If you want a favorable result from your case, find out his reputation with the judges and prosecutors.
Expertise
It is important that you hire someone who have handled a drink driving offence before. Hire someone who is familiar with the system and has good defense strategy. Find someone with the knowledge and credibility to best represent your case. Here are some reasons why expertise of your lawyer is important.
DUI Knowledge. A lawyer expert in handling drunk driving charges would know the penalties you may be facing. They are familiar with the sentencing options in the local court in which your case would be heard. Their knowledge of the guidelines and requirements will assist them in strategizing a good defense and negotiating for your sentence.
Licensing Laws. Are you a doctor or a licensed professional? Seasoned driving offence lawyers know that DUI cases may affect not only your driving privileges. Losing your license may affect your profession, job or family situation. Your lawyer should know your situation prior to being charged to know how handle them.
Legal Issues. Aside from knowing the repercussions of a drunk driving offence, a pro criminal lawyer in Liverpool who have been handling cases like these are aware that there are other claims that may arise. Having familiarity with these claims would help them prepare to strategise in your defense.
Legal Fees
Before hiring a lawyer, make sure you have a clear understanding of the services you are getting and how much you should be paying. Different lawyers have various billing methods. Others charge a high up-front fee while others ask for a low up-front cost but will have additional fees as the case progress. Discuss about the charges and know that you won’t be paying for hidden costs. You should be also clear that you won’t be paying for postponements that aren’t your fault.