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Being charged with DWI in Suffolk County is one of the most unpleasant incidents that could happen in the life of any individual. It gets to an extent where an individual is fined, perhaps imprisoned, and loses their driving privileges as well. It is advisable that you have a qualified and experienced DWI lawyer by your side who will make sure all your rights are protected during the handling of the case. This guide will let you know how you can hire the best Suffolk County criminal attorney who shall defend your case with regard to a DWI allegation.
Understanding DWI Charges in Suffolk County
Driving While Intoxicated is a serious offense in the State of New York that results in the following penalties:
| Offense | BAC Level | Fine | Jail Time | Driver’s License Revocation | Annual Assessment Fee |
| First Offense DWI | 0.08% or higher | $500 – $1,000 | Up to 1 year | At least 6 months | $250 for 3 years |
| 0.18% or higher | $1,000 – $2,500 | Up to 1 year | At least 1 year | $250 for 3 years | |
| Second Offense DWI (within 10 years) | 0.08% or higher | $1,000 – $5,000 | Up to 4 years | At least 1 year | $250 for 3 years |
| 0.18% or higher | $2,000 – $10,000 | Up to 4 years | At least 18 months | $250 for 3 years | |
| Third Offense DWI (within 10 years) | 0.08% or higher | $2,000 – $10,000 | Up to 7 years | At least 1 year | $250 for 3 years |
| 0.18% or higher | $4,000 – $10,000 | Up to 7 years | At least 18 months | $250 for 3 years |
Factors to Consider: Choosing a DWI Attorney
Selecting the right DWI lawyers in Suffolk County is essential for a successful defense. It is important to keep in mind the following factors:
Experience and Specialization
When hiring a DWI lawyer Suffolk County, ensure that they specialize in DWI defense since they will understand the laws and the kind of defense you need for your case. You should search for an attorney who has worked on several occasions concerning DWI and, more to the point, in Suffolk County. The idea is that they would be more capable of handling the local courts and the judges that would be assigned to your case.
Reputation and Reviews
Word of mouth from friends and family members, the experience and satisfaction score shared by previous clients found on the attorney’s website or on online review forums give a clearer picture of how an attorney truly performs. Find out the responses on professionalism, communication and the approach used to advance an argument.
Communication Style
Effective communication is essential in the attorney-client relationship. Note from the first consultations whether the lawyer actually listens to you, clearly explains all the legal concepts involved to you, and communicates his or her strategy to you. A good attorney should be accessible and answer all your questions with complete honesty.
Track Record of Success
Ask about the success rate of the lawyer with DWI cases to guide you in making a decision. For instance, a winning attorney who has a history of dismissal of the case or reduction of charges will handle your case better. Understand what strategies they applied in past cases and exactly how they are going to implement them in your case.
Personal Comfort and Rapport
You need to feel comfortable with your attorney as you will be sharing your personal information with them. Hence, it is recommended that you arrange for appointments with as many DWI lawyers in Suffolk County as you can in order that you get to feel how you are treated by each attorney and if you can put your trust in them in handling your case.
Consultation Fees and Costs
You should ask them about their fee structure when you meet them for the first time. Understanding how they bill their clients, whether they charge per service or by the hour will assist in saving a set amount of money legal fees . It is also important to select a lawyer who offers an all-inclusive breakdown of the cost and any other expenses likely to be incurred.
Understanding of the Legal Process
An ideal Suffolk County criminal attorney should be well-versed with the legal process and be in a position to explain the steps that are involved, what the hearings are all about, plea bargaining among other things, and the trial procedure. They should be updated on the legal proceedings so that they brief you on all the process and how they will protect you from the charges.
Defense Strategies
You must inquire about which defense strategies your Suffolk County DWI lawyers are going to apply. An effective DWI defense may involve questioning the legality of the traffic stop, the testing methodology as flawed, or even that officers did not handle the suspect properly. A good lawyer will be prepared to explore every possible avenue of defense to protect your rights.
Conclusion
Now you know how a Suffolk County DWI attorney can be a decisive factor for handling your case. Do your homework with regard to their experience and communication skills, along with their fees. It will be better to choose a legal professional who will understand better how to argue for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for you in court.
If you are under stress due to DWI charges taken against you in Suffolk County, don’t hesitate a bit before contacting The Law Office of Steven S. Siegel PLLC. It is years of experience and an excellent success record that have made Steven Siegel one of the best criminal defense attorneys for cases related to DWI charges. Do not wait any longer to schedule a confidential consultation with our team to discuss your situation.
