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A DWI is a life-changing matter, carrying hefty fines, suspension of license, and even imprisonment. With the stakes this high, the choice of a skilled DWI attorney comes into play. This blog will equip you with the necessary knowledge on how to find a “DWI attorney near me“, and be able to represent your interests in court effectively, keeping at bay the potential impact of such a charge. But how does one go about finding that perfect DWI defense attorney to take up the case? Let’s find out!
Importance of Hiring a DWI Defense Attorney
Navigating the process of the law can be very overwhelming and confusing if you are charged with a DWI. Being conversant with various aspects of the law, a skilled DWI attorney will work in your best interest toward reducing possible penalties. Seek an attorney who understands your local laws since DWI laws differ from state to state. An attorney experienced in DWI and local laws, with experience in the courts, if possible, will be better equipped to take on a case like yours.
Steps to Find a Good DWI Attorney
Finding good DWI lawyers can make all the difference in guarding your rights and lessening the blow of a DWI charge. Here are some steps to ensure you have the right legal representation for your specific case.
Research and Gather Recommendations
It is recommended to ask for suggestions from your friends, family, or colleagues who have been in the same position. Some of the other sources that can be of help include legal directories and review websites that will give you an insight of the attorney’s performance. Therefore it is advised that one should look for lawyers who handle DWI cases because they are in a better position to represent you.
Check Qualifications and Experience
Once you have made a list of possible DWI attorneys, take time to research them. Find out where they attended law school, if they are licensed to practice law in your state, and for how many years they are practicing law. In particular, it is necessary to find out how many DWI cases they have handled. An attorney such as Steven Siegel, who has a good number of years of practice in DWI cases is more likely to provide better services.
Schedule Consultations
Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so take advantage of this to meet with several lawyers. Make a list of the questions to ask including the number of years the lawyer has practiced in DWI cases, the strategies they will use in defending the case, the lawyer’s charges for their services, and who is going to work on your case.
Evaluate Communication Style
Effective communication is important in any attorney-client relationship. When you are in a meeting with the attorney, take note of how well the attorney listens to you and the manner in which the attorney is able to break down legal terms. An ideal attorney should be in a position to explain to you any complicated legal terms in a way that you will easily understand.
Understand the Costs
The expenses that you are likely to incur when hiring a DWI attorney include; experience, case difficulty, and your location. Fees can be between $2500 to $15000 on average. It is important that the fee structure be discussed and known, and what exactly one is paying for. Certain lawyers are willing to accept a certain number of payments, especially if you are not in a position to make a one time payment.
Check Reviews and References
When you have shortlisted your choices, try to look for online reviews and feedback from the past clients. Also, it is recommended to ask the attorney for references from the previous clients. It is easier to get a hint of what to expect when talking to former clients who chose them for their case.
Assess Their Approach to Your Case
Every single DWI case is unique and the approach that an attorney that is dealing with your case is going to take is going to have a big impact on the result. While engaging them in consultations, try to understand from them their plan and procedures. It is also important to remember that a good DWI attorney should have extensive legal knowledge but at the same time should be compassionate.
Consider Their Local Knowledge
Depending on the locality, there can be certain legal procedures and practices that are followed in the courts, having an attorney who is known to the local courts can be beneficial. For instance, if you are in Nassau County, you can possibly think of consulting a Nassau County DWI defense lawyer to handle your case.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable by sharing the case with your lawyer. Just trust your instincts about who you believe will represent your interests most effectively. The connection that you have with your attorney is based on trust and you should be able to feel confident that they can well-represent your case in court. When selecting Steven Siegel attorney or any other lawyer, ensure that the lawyer you hire has your best interest at heart.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this blog, you will be on your way to finding the right attorney who will be a perfect advocate during this challenging time. Always remember that having the right legal representation makes all the difference in how your DWI case will turn out. If you’re looking for an experienced DWI defense attorney, then look no further than The Law Office of Steven S. Siegel PLLC. We have a proven track record of success in defending clients accused of DWI-related offenses. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.