Tips to Hire the Right Denver DUI Attorney

Posted by Joseph Marie
3
Aug 11, 2015
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Driving under the influence or even a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge can alter your life. Most states now impose mandatory license suspensions and minimum jail sentences for drunken driving offenses; and even stricter punishments on subsequent DUI convictions. Hiring an experienced Denver DUI attorney is critical if conviction means losing your license, jail time, a black mark on your record, or paying a hefty fine. Before hiring a Denver DUI attorney, shop around; get referrals, do your homework; research their credentials; and ask questions. Most lawyers are not experienced in DUI charges or do not have jury trial experience; they are not the right people to take on your DUI matter. Here are a few tips to hire the best DUI lawyer for your drunk driving case in Denver, CO.

Your first step to hiring a DUI attorney in Denver is to make a list of potential lawyers that you might want to hire. An easy starting point is the Yellow Pages in print or other online sources. Look for attorneys that advertise specialized training and skill in DUI cases, or experience. This will not assure they are the best candidates or the right ones for you, but it will help you weed out lawyers that don’t touch DUI law. Although the phone book and online advertisements are good starting points, get personal recommendations from relatives or friends, coworkers or business contacts that have been in similar legal trouble.

Once you have a list of DUI attorneys that you might want to consider meeting personally, do your homework prior to wasting your time scheduling appointments. Do not merely hire a DUI attorney in Denver based on your telephone conversation. An in-person appointment or initial consultation is the best way to get to know the DUI lawyer. Ask questions - most DUI lawyers offer free consultations so you can briefly discuss your case and the possible ways to handle your case without having to worry about financial restraints.

During the initial consultation, ask the DUI attorney how they usually deal with breath tests or field sobriety. Inquire about the results of other DUI trials they have done in the past couple of years in Colorado courts. Find out what percentage of their practice is based drunk driving cases or DUI. If the percentage seems low, ask about the other types of cases they handle. If they handle a large percentage of criminal defense cases, this is a more positive sign. You will also want to discuss fees or charges for hiring a DUI attorney. A senior member of the law firm might be more expensive, but may have extensive behind-the-scenes contacts. Whatever fee charges are ironed out, get it in writing at the beginning.

Do not hire the first DUI attorney, you meet. You need to compare qualifications, answers, your comfort level, and rates of all of the DUI lawyers you interviewed in Denver. Although the input of family or friends is important, don’t make a decision about the attorney based completely on the recommendation. Bear in mind that you are putting your driver’s license and freedom in the hands of the DUI lawyer you hire. Analyze answers to your questions, track record, rates, etc., only then decide who you think will be the best DUI attorney for your drunk driving case!

This Article was written by Jackson Higbie. Visit our site at http://lawrepublic.net/ and http://lawrepublic.net/category/dui/ for more details.
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