Being charged with operating under the influence can be a nerve-wracking experience. If convicted, you will be faced with substantial fines, costs associated with specialized monitoring equipment installed on your vehicle, and even incarceration. Having an OUI attorney to defend you is critical. During your consultation, ask these questions and get the answers you need to determine which OUI attorney is best suited to defending you against prosecution.
Is your practice devoted to OUI cases?
Each person’s situation is different. A successful defense requires different skills and knowledge than those needed in a theft case. Certain documents must be filed at distinct times during a criminal suit, and they sometimes move very quickly. Your lawyer will need to be very familiar with the proper procedure to meet necessary deadlines. These cases often involve highly scientific evidence, and your attorney will need to understand the evidence obtained and used in the trial. If you are unable to find a lawyer who is familiar with these cases, be sure to hire a lawyer who is experienced in criminal law. Even a well-seasoned lawyer whose practice revolves around civil lawsuits will not have the necessary skills to defend your case in a criminal court of law.
Do you have plea bargain and trial experience?
Frequently, the accused can get reduced penalties by entering a plea bargain. You will want your attorney to have experience negotiating with prosecutors to achieve the best deal. However, some lawyers make a standard practice of recommending plea bargains. A plea bargain is sometimes unnecessary, and the consequences are compounded because certain rights of the accused are waived through the process. In some cases, it is advisable to try the case. Your OUI attorney will need to have experience on both ends to provide you with the best possible representation.
What role will your staff play in my case?
Good lawyers have many clients. In all likelihood, you will not be your lawyer’s only client. Your representation will need to draft documents, appear in court, and make phone calls on behalf of all of his or her clients, so he or she will not always be immediately available to address every issue that arises in your case. Consequently, an OUI attorney should have junior attorneys or non-attorney staff to handle routine matters that do not need the individual attention of your primary legal practitioner. In some circumstances, associates may even appear in court when your primary legal practitioner is not available. However, you should also ensure that the legal practitioner you select will review the work of his staff before it is filed or sent to opposing counsel.
These are all basic things to consider prior to dealing with your case and finding the right representative. It may be a stressful process, but considering these guidelines can help alleviate any worries that arise.