Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to hire a DUI lawyer to help you with each stage of the case. Before hiring a DUI lawyer, prepare a list of questions. Some questions to consider adding to your list include:

What Are Your Primary Practice Areas?

One of the first questions you should ask any lawyer you are considering hiring as your criminal defense lawyer is what areas of law they focus on.

Some lawyers may offer services as a DUI lawyer but may spend most of their time on family law cases or contract issues.

Many individuals prefer to hire a lawyer whose primary focus is on DUI law. This will ensure that he or she is up-to-date on the latest legal issues and strategies in DUI defense cases. He or she will likely have greater credibility with local prosecutors due to this focus and recognition in this aspect of the legal community.

What Experience Do You Have Handling DUI Charges?

It is also important for you to have an understanding of the individual experience your DUI lawyer has in this area of the law.

Ask any prospective lawyer you are considering hiring about their DUI case track record. Find out about the total number of DUI cases the lawyer has handled and about the outcome of these cases. Ask how many cases they have taken to trial and won. Also, inquire about the percentage of charges that were dismissed and those that resulted in a favorable plea bargain that resulted in a lighter charge or sentence.

It is important that you have a good understanding of the experience your lawyer has in DUI cases and their record of success. Attorney Chris A. Bugbee has more than two decades of experience handling DUI cases that he can put to use in your case.

At some larger firms, the lawyer you meet at your initial consultation may not actually be the lawyer who primarily works on your case. Ask whether or not the person you are interviewing will be the primary attorney assigned to the case. If less experienced attorneys will be working on your case, you may not get the benefit of the experience of someone who focuses on DUI law.

What Kind of Outcome Can I Expect?

During an initial consultation, a DUI lawyer can discuss the particular circumstances surrounding your case to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case. He or she can investigate possible legal strategies to use in your case.

While there may be similarities between cases, each DUI case is unique. The outcomes and the prosecution may be much different when dealing with a first time DUI compared to somebody who is facing a  2nd or 3rd DUI case. While a DUI lawyer can discuss the possible outcomes of your case, no conscientious attorney can guarantee a result.

It is best, to be honest with your DUI lawyer and provide accurate details about your case so that he or she can develop a legal strategy designed around this information that is reasonably calculated to result in the most favorable outcome available for your case.

What Is Your Fee Structure?

You will be responsible for paying your DUI lawyer, so it is important to understand the fee structure.

During your interview with DUI lawyers, ask about how you will be charged and when these charges must be paid. Some lawyers charge by the hour while others may charge a flat fee.

However, there may be additional fees related to your case, including court costs, probation costs, discovery costs or costs to hire an expert witness.

Ask for a complete list of possible monetary charges so that you can better anticipate and prepare for them.

Contact an Experienced Washington DUI Lawyer

Bugbee Law Office, P.S. has provided effective legal representation to individuals facing DUI charges for more than 22 years. We will work diligently to protect your rights and to keep you informed at each stage in your case.

Contact Bugbee Law Office by calling 509-337-5082.

Bugbee Law Office, P.S.  (509) 337-5082

1312 N Monroe St, Ste 147

Spokane, WA 99201 |  View Map

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