If you ever need a DUI lawyer, do you know what you should look for? With so many attorneys active in Maryland, it’s not enough to find a lawyer who will take your case. You need to find the best lawyer for your unique situation. But how?
It can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never hired a lawyer before. Every firm advertises itself as the best, but marketing isn’t always a reflection of reality. Thankfully, finding the best DUI lawyer for you doesn’t have to be a long or complicated process.
This blog post outlines four basic steps that will help you find the best criminal defense lawyer for your DUI case. No matter your experience with the legal system, our suggestions will help you navigate your options and find the right candidate. Let’s simplify your search.
1. Confirm Their Experience
Most lawyers operate in specific areas of law and will identify themselves as such. However, these terms can sometimes be rather broad. For example, the title “criminal defense attorney” or “DUI attorney” can sound vague, especially to those who haven’t found themselves in the legal system before.
When researching criminal defense attorney options, you must dig deeper and make no assumptions. Even specialties like DUI law break down into specific scenarios that may not apply to your case. Your best bet is to ask potential attorneys what their experience is and how it compares to your situation.
A worthwhile attorney will be happy to speak to their experience to help you decide. However, be wary of anyone who speaks vaguely or can’t provide specific examples of similar cases. Experience is the most critical factor in selecting an attorney, so take your time and be thorough.
2. Do you feel comfortable?
A good DUI attorney will make you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process. They should be able to guide you through the various decisions and case strategies for your individualized case. Feel free to ask your attorney why they recommend a specific strategy.
You should feel more comfortable after speaking to your attorney. Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns. A good attorney will be able to answer whatever prospective questions you have.
3. Find References and Reviews
At this point, you might be wondering how to dig deeper with your research. While public records can provide you with the bare facts of a trial, they don’t necessarily tell you what an attorney is like to work with. But, of course, if you don’t get along with your lawyer, the negativity will affect your trial, so you must have a good picture of what they’re like.
There are two ways you can go about this: read reviews and talk to references. Online reviews of lawyers are plentiful, and you can glean a lot of information from them, but consider where you’re finding them and if they’re curated. A selection of reviews on a lawyer’s site may be honest, but they’ve chosen for their value as marketing tools.
A confident lawyer will readily refer you to past clients you can talk with. When talking to referrals, focus on their impression of the lawyer’s attitude and what it was like working with them. If you gather referrals and reviews, you’ll have a better chance of painting an accurate picture of what the candidate is like.
4. Organizations and Memberships
When scouting lawyers, you should always check to see if they’re active with your local bar association. The association’s website will publically list all active members. Candidates should still be active members, but your search shouldn’t end with the bar association.
Lawyers have formed many organizations with different purposes. For example, the National College of DUI Defense works as a support network for DUI lawyers. Lawyers and firms are very open about the organizations they are members of, and for a good reason: it shows interest and involvement.
Membership in legal groups shows that a lawyer goes beyond their job requirements and that they are committed to criminal defense causes. Take note of any roles your candidates play in these organizations, such as leadership positions. Often, their level of activity can translate to passion.
Trust Southern Maryland Criminal Defense to Handle Your DUI Case
Facing criminal charges is a trying and frightening experience for anyone.
Panic, fear, and anxiety can lead you to make quick decisions just to get them out of the way, even when you may suspect they aren’t in your best interest. Instead of risking your future, turn to the team you can trust.
Put your trust in Southern Maryland Criminal Defense.
With years of trial experience covering major and minor offenses (including DUI), we approach every client’s case with compassion, understanding, and transparency. In addition, we strive to make our services accessible to everyone with a flat-fee structure and flexible payments.