9 Questions to Ask DUI Lawyers Before Hiring Them
He has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia. He is now facing legal representation to help him fight these serious DUI charges. How do you know which attorney will best serve his needs?
Here are 9 questions to ask any prospective Virginia DUI lawyer to help you determine if their experience and competence is a good fit for your case.
How long have you been practicing?
You shouldn’t be satisfied with “X years” as an answer. Not only do you need to know how long they have been “lawyers”, you need to know exactly how long they have been working as a Virginia DUI attorney. Virginia DUI laws are different from other states and your attorney should have extensive experience with DUI in Virginia courts.
What is your experience with DUI cases?
Many lawyers focus on a number of criminal areas. You need to know if your attorney has extensive experience with DUI cases, not that they just “dabble” at it.
Which attorney in your office will handle my case?
Don’t assume that the person you are talking to will actually represent you in court. Some law firms “share” cases, which means they can help anyone in their office handle your case. Find out who will actually sit next to you in the courtroom. You don’t want some guy fresh out of law school defending you in court.
When and where have you been a prosecutor before?
A DUI defense attorney with trial experience can be of great advantage because he knows how the state will formulate its DUI case against you. However, be sure to ask the attorney where they have prosecuted cases: in a small, quiet county or in a larger jurisdiction where DUI cases may be more common.
How many jury trials have you argued?
You may need to go to trial to successfully fight a Virginia DUI charge. If a lawyer has spent most of her time at a desk rather than in a courtroom, this does not reflect well on her experience.
Have you ever been disciplined by the State Bar Association?
As in the medical field, the state maintains a body that oversees those who practice law and handles any appropriate disciplinary action. If a lawyer has been sanctioned by the state bar, it speaks ill of his competence and integrity.
What legal costs might you incur in addition to your fees?
Your case may require expert witnesses, investigators, and other outside assistance. You need to know what these costs are up front instead of being surprised when you see the final bill.
What are the challenges in my case?
A good Virginia DUI defense attorney will be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Non-specific answers to this question may be an indicator that the lawyer does not know what he is doing.
How will my case turn out?
This is a logical question. But you should know that no attorney can promise a positive outcome in any DUI case. So beware of anyone who guarantees a positive verdict or a favorable plea deal.
Your Virginia DUI defense attorney is the biggest thing standing between you and jail time, a hefty fine, and/or driver’s license suspension. So make sure you have retained the right attorney to represent you, as this decision can be life changing.