Being arrested for drunk driving in Virginia is a scary experience. Many people who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) are unaware of their rights, and choose not to fight their case. This is a huge mistake! The penalties for drinking and driving are severe, and may include time in jail, probation, fines, community service, and a driver's license suspension. These are in addition to the increased insurance fees, social repercussions, and lost job opportunities that also accompany a DUI conviction.
Hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer is always in your best interest; however, you may be wondering how to go about choosing the right Virginia DUI defense attorney for your case. By following the steps below, you can increase your chances of finding a qualified attorney.
Ask for Referrals
A good place to start when choosing a good Virginia DUI defense lawyer is to ask friends and family members for referrals. If you currently work with an attorney who handles other matters for you, ask if he or she can recommend a skilled Virginia DUI attorney in your area. You can even contact the Virginia State Bar for a list of qualified DUI attorneys. Just remember that you still need to do your own homework when determining if the recommendation is going to be your best fit.
Ask Your Potential DUI Attorney Plenty of Questions
Once you have received referrals, or looked through the list that the Virginia State Bar provided, you should narrow down your list of potential attorneys and begin the interview process. Choose 4-5 Virginia DUI lawyers whom you would like to potentially work with on your DUI case. When interviewing each attorney, take note of their experience as well as how you "click" with them; going through the DUI process is stressful enough, and you want to work with an attorney you trust and who understands you and your case.
Here are some samples questions you should ask potential Virginia DUI attorneys:
• How many years have you been practicing DUI law? - Virginia DUI law is extremely complex, and requires a thorough understanding of how to develop a strong defense as well as how to question any evidence against you and its validity. It is important to understand how much experience your potential attorney has in cases similar to yours.
• Who will be handing my case and what are their qualifications? - In some law offices, the lawyer who you speak with is not the person who does the work for your case or who represents you during trial. In fact, the person who handles your case may be a less experienced attorney just out of law school. The penalties for a Virginia DUI are too great to leave to an inexperienced attorney or other staff member.
• What are the potential legal costs? - Before signing any contracts, it is important to understand the attorney's fees upfront. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour. If the Virginia DUI attorney wants to use expert witnesses, ask about their fees as well.
By choosing the right Virginia DUI lawyer, you may minimize your chances of a DUI conviction and increase the chances of getting your life back on track.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Virginia, there is no time to waste! If you want to try to get your license back, you have less than 5 days to hire a lawyer. Your trial date is almost always less than 2 months from the date you were charged and, thus, waiting just 14 days to hire a lawyer could severely handicap your DUI defense.
