Knowing What Questions To Ask A DUI Attorney

By Abraham Avotina

If you have been pulled over and charged with driving under the influence, hiring a DUI attorney is one of the first steps you should take to avoid harsh penalties. While this is one of the most commonly committed crimes in the United States, it is not to be taken lightly. If convicted, the consequences can be quite harsh and have lasting effects on your driving record and personal life.

When you are pulled over and you are requested to take a sobriety test, it's important to realize you have rights. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test is often the wrong way to go about things, and misleading information has made some believe they have the right to refuse the test. However, implied consent laws mean that any time you operate a vehicle you have agreed to submit to a form of testing that measures your blood alcohol level. In some states you do have the choice of whether or not you take a breath or blood test though. If your blood alcohol level is determined to be higher than the legal limit, it is wise to seek counsel from a DUI attorney as soon as possible. Before you choose just any lawyer, you should ask a the following questions to determine if they would be right for you.

Do you have experience handling driving under the influence cases?

There are many areas of the law that lawyers practice. Hiring a legal representative that focuses primarily on driving under the influence cases is important. A DUI attorney will have specific knowledge of the laws regarding your case as well as the commitment to ongoing education in this field. Since laws are ever changing, you will want a lawyer who is familiar with current legislation.

Have you handled a case like mine before?

While having experience in this area of law is important, it is also vital you choose a DUI attorney that is somewhat familiar with cases that are similar to yours. If your lawyer has never handled a case like yours, they might not know what to expect nor how to deal with any elements that are involved. Knowing that your lawyer is prepared to protect your rights and represent your interests in your unique situation will give you the confidence to move forward.

Are you the one who will be working on my case?

A DUI attorney might seem like he or she is perfect to handle your case, but you should make sure that they are the one who will actually be your counsel. Some firms will send a representative to consult with you but they might not be the ones who will be taking your case on. When you are meeting with a lawyer, be sure to ask them if they will be the one who will handling all of the legal aspects of your case and not passing it off to another lawyer.

Been convicted of a DUI? Get legal help at: http://www.sacramentodefense.com/sacramento_dui_attorney_2.

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