When you need to choose a Miami DUI defense attorney, do not forget the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” In this case, you also should not judge a law firm by its billboard or Yellow Pages ads.
Just because someone shells out the cash for a big ad does not mean that they are committed to bringing your case to trial or ensuring that you win. Choosing the right Miami DUI defense attorney for your case is about finding a lawyer with the experience to represent you against your DUI charges and a commitment to your case that goes beyond obtaining a fee.
If you received a DUI in Florida then you need an experienced Miami DUI defense attorney that is committed to getting you the results that you deserve.
There are specific factors that you should consider when searching for a Miami DUI defense attorney after your DUI in Florida. The point mentioned above about not falling prey to aggressive ad campaigns is just one of many things to think about before you hire a DUI attorney. You will need to consider important factors relating to the lawyer including:
- How long they have been practicing;
- How much experience they have with DUI cases;
- Trial experience when it comes to DUI cases; and
- How they explain the challenges and defenses to your DUI case.
What to Ask the Miami DUI Defense Attorney During Your First Visit
After you get a DUI in Florida, you will want to get the best lawyer possible because the repercussions are severe. For a first offense, you could get $500 in fines, a revoked license for up to 1 year, and have to pay $1,000 for a DUI program run by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Not to mention you will have to pay for your lawyer, court costs, and a myriad of other fees. You do not want to hire somebody haphazardly, so you will need to ask the right questions on your first visit.
First, you should ask how many years they have been practicing law. This translates to asking whether this firm is experienced or not. Even though all lawyers have to finish law school and pass the bar it does not mean they can all argue your case equally well.
You should always ask a Miami DUI defense attorney how much experience they have had with drunk driving cases specifically. It might seem repetitive to ask a lawyer how much experience they have and then ask again, but it is not.
Some lawyers advertise that they take drunk driving cases whether or not it is their area of specialty. A person only needs a license to practice law, and once obtained, they can advertise to take any kind of case. If your Miami DUI defense attorney has argued and won cases similar to yours, then you are in good hands.
Remember, any conversation that you have with a Miami DUI defense attorney is privileged and cannot be used against you whether you decide to hire them or not.
Ask which lawyer will be handling your case. Most lawyers work in teams on their cases so the lawyer with whom you are talking might not be the one who does the bulk of the work. Follow up by asking what that person’s qualifications are in terms of drunk driving offenses.
Even if you do not know a lot about law yourself, don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about insurance, reputation, and cost. For instance, you should ask about:
- Malpractice insurance;
- Any discipline from the state bar; and
- Any and all legal costs.
You don’t need to know everything that malpractice covers, just get confirmation that the lawyers have it. In addition, if the state bar has disciplined them, then you might want to investigate other firms. Lastly, cost is always an issue and you should get them to list any costs that you might incur, including things such as the cost of investigators or experts called to the stand.
Lastly, have them explain to you any possible challenges and how they might affect your case. Get them to commit to keeping you informed about the case. Often, clients complain about not being able to contact their lawyers so you should indicate early on that you would like to be kept abreast of any changes.
Choosing a DUI attorney is not a fun process, but by choosing an experienced Miami DUI attorney, you greatly increase your chances of having your Florida DUI charges reduced or dismissed. Do your homework and really research the possibilities so that you can get the best representation and get on with your life.
Contacting a Miami DUI Defense Attorney
If you are facing DUI charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Miami DUI defense attorneys at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – 1-877-663-5110.