Did you know more than 1.5 million drivers are arrested annually for drunk driving in the US? If arrested for driving while intoxicated, it’s important to recognize you are in hot soup. To prevent the situation from worsening, a reputable DWI Austin Attorney is invaluable.
Being arrested for DWI in Austin is a scary experience. If found guilty of DWI charges, you can be fined up to $2000 and a jail sentence of up to 180 days. However, this can get worse depending on charges and your criminal history.
In a DWI case, so much is on the line; your liberty, license, reputation, and finances. However, despite your situation, you are entitled to legal representation.
However, keep in mind the wrong choice of attorney only exacerbates your tribulations. So, how do you choose the best DWI attorney with the multiple options available?
Here are 5 things to look for when choosing a DWI Austin Attorney.
1. Check Their Experience
In any legal matter – more so a DWI case- experience matters. Without an experienced attorney, you only add insult to the injury. You risk getting the maximum fines, imprisonment, and completely losing your license. This isn’t what you want.
How long has the attorney been in the field? How many cases have they handled recently, and what is their success rate? These questions are key to determine their experience and get all the benefits of a DWI attorney.
Take time to find a well-established DWI attorney with in-depth knowledge of DWI cases. Having dealt with similar cases, the James Fletcher attorney is adept and will hold your hand till the end. Even when arrested, they will advise you about your rights and the best legal remedy for your case.
Just because an attorney has been in practice for years doesn’t mean they are good enough. An impressive track record must back up the years in practice.
In addition, they should have local experience. Note that every DWI case is unique, and the trial is different. Don’t forget the different DWI laws in every state. The DWI attorney you decide to work with must know the laws relating to DWI cases in the state you are charged in.
2. Check Their Fees
While legal fees are key factors to consider when picking an attorney, it’s not the most important. Consider picking an attorney with affordable rates and an option for a payment plan.
Don’t go with the cheapest option you find; it’s tempting, but please avoid it. Imagine serving a long jail time just because you hired a cheap attorney who couldn’t represent your best interests in the trial. Don’t compromise your freedom to save a few dollars.
Get several quotes from different DWI attorneys and compare them. Pick the one who strikes a balance between the fees they charge and the quality of legal service.
Before signing the representation agreement, get complete information about any cost involved. Also, read the agreement to avoid falling into another trap. If you can’t afford to pay the fees at once, ask whether the attorney offers flexible payment plans.
3. What Is Their Reputation?
Before hiring a DWI attorney, check on what previous clients are saying about them. What’s their experience with the attorney? Is this what you also want for your case?
Read online reviews and testimonials to get a crystal-clear understanding of the attorney from a clients’ perspective. The praise or criticism you find is a clear representation of what the law firm.
If an attorney has multiple negative reviews, find a better alternative; this is a red flag.
You might also want to check with Better Business Bureau to see if they are accreditated and if any complaint has been launched against them.
Also, has the DUI attorney Austin won any trophy or award in their area of practice? If they have, you might have got yourself the best deal.
4. Ask for References
Before making a final decision, ask for references from the attorney. A good attorney is proud to provide you with contacts of their previous clients. They know you will likely hire them for their good work if you reach out to past clients.
What if they hesitate or refuse to provide references? Avoid them completely. This shows they are covering up something which they don’t want you to find out.
By contacting the lawyer’s past clients, you get reliable information firsthand. You might want to ask any questions you have about the attorney. You must ask them if they would hire the same attorney again in a similar case.
If they can’t, don’t dig your own grave by picking the attorney.
5. Do They Offer a Free Consultation?
Make sure the potential attorney offers a free consultation. During the consultation, you get to assess the attorney’s style, experience, and personality. You also determine if there is a personal connection established between you and the attorney.
The attorney doesn’t have to be your best friend, but you need to have a good working relationship with them. It’s in your best interests to ensure you are getting along well with your lawyer.
With most DWI attorneys offering a free consultation, look elsewhere if your potential lawyer doesn’t. You want to know about the attorney you will be working with first and decide if they are your best suit.
Use the Above Tips to Hire the Best DWI Austin Attorney
Being arrested for DWI is a nerve-racking experience. It can be startling if you are arrested and don’t know the very next step to take. However, choosing the right DWI Austin attorney will save the day.
The above tips will get you started in hiring a reputable DWI attorney.
If you are looking for a DWI attorney, James Fletcher got your back. We are a highly experienced, client-oriented DWI law firm offering aggressive legal representation to win our clients’ DWI cases.
Contact us today for a free consultation.