Facing a DUI charge can be like walking a tightrope over a pit of alligators–nerve-wracking and potentially catastrophic. It’s best to have a DUI attorney on your side. How do you choose a DUI lawyer who is worth his salt? Let’s talk. Visit DUI Lawyers Fort Myers before reading this.
You want to hire someone who is well-versed in DUI laws. Attorneys who are able to spot police procedural errors faster than they can say, “field sobriety tests” come to mind. Sometimes a career is decided by a small technicality. It’s important to find experts that make the arresting officer think they zig-zagged, instead of zagging.
You can find out by asking around. It’s amazing how many personal connections there are. Word-of-mouth is gold, whether it comes from your cousin’s closest friend or the guy in your favorite cafe. It’s common for people to tell stories about their own experiences, both good and bad. Nobody is more honest than those who have been there.
Don’t forget to do a little snooping online. You can find reviews online, but you should read them carefully. Others might sound like revenge novels written by an ex-client. Keep an eye on themes that are consistent and balance the extremes. If the lawyer is a member of any professional organizations, it’s a good sign that they are up-to-date with DUI laws.
There’s nothing better than a personal meeting with a DUI attorney. It’s not like you would buy a vehicle online without driving it first. It’s a big ticket item. Use them. Initial consultations can be free. Describe your situation and observe the reaction of the attorney. Does the lawyer sound confident, but not overly so? Do they speak clearly or use legal jargon to confuse you? Here, you should trust your instinct. Trust your gut instinct.
Hiring legal talent is always fraught with complexities. The cost of hiring legal talent can be high, but there’s an important tip to remember: The highest price does not necessarily mean that you’re getting the best service. Lawyers may charge as if they were sculpting Mona Lisa, when an old-fashioned stick figure will do. You should find a balance between the cost of retainers and expertise. You can save yourself sleepless nights by having transparent pricing.
You should look for people who are good with words. Imagine your lawyer is presenting your argument in court. Imagine them not being able to make eye contact or fumbling. Spooky, right? Pick someone with the ability to communicate effectively. When it counts, this person will speak for you.
Another tip is that Fort Myers, unlike New York and Los Angeles, is not a hotspot for legal activity. Local knowledge can be a real asset. These nuances can be used to your benefit by attorneys who are familiar with the local DUI checkpoints and judges. Local knowledge is always better than high-profile.
Do not be vague about what you expect. Say that you want the charges to be dropped completely. Declare that your goal is to reduce penalties in order to keep your current job. By aligning your goals, you make everyone’s lives easier and establish a strong working relationship.
Don’t be swayed by glitzy offices or catchy TV commercials when you are deciding what to buy. People, let’s not forget that substance is more important than style. Not a Kardashian in a briefcase, but a Gladiator. An honest lawyer will often work harder, because they have more to prove.
Also, ask about the team. Attorneys are not alone. They have assistants, paralegals and perhaps even co-counsel. It’s a good idea to know the people behind the scenes. You’ll be able to get in touch with them and they’ll remember your details. This is useful when you’re lawyer is busy, or in court.
When the Fort Myers law is on your tail, don’t forget that finding a good DUI attorney can be like choosing the perfect dance partner. You don’t have to worry about stepping over legal landmines. You can find the perfect match if you trust your gut and do some research.