If you live in NJ, you know that driving under influence or DUI is an offense that attracts harsh penalties. If you have been accused of a DUI, it is important that you hire a DUI attorney. The lawyer will argue your case and represent you in court. With a good lawyer, you will not lose your license or spend time in jails. The first step when choosing NJ DUI attorneys is researching. The Internet and especially the local bar association is a good place to look for DUI attorneys. Once you have found one that you like, you should set up an appointment. There are several questions during your first meeting with the lawyer.
The first questions you should ask relates to the lawyers credentials and experience. Obviously, the lawyer you choose should have graduated from an accredited institution. Moreover, he/she should be experienced. The best kind of lawyer is one who specializes in DUI cases. Some lawyers are likely to misrepresent themselves so you should not take their word for it. If the lawyer says he/she specializes in DUI cases be sure to follow it up by asking how many cases he/she has handled in the past. Make sure you ask for references. These are people the lawyer has represented in the past. They can give details about the lawyer that you cannot get from your research and that will help you make an informed decision. Hire a lawyer with a good reputation as he is likely to negotiate better terms for you. For example, with the lawyer’s help you may be sentenced to community service instead of being sent to jail.
You should also ask the DUI attorneys about their charges. While some lawyers charge on contingency fees, others charge by the hour. Before you decide to work with the lawyer, you need to find out about the charges, what they cover and what they do not. Make sure you get everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings later. Your final decision to hire a DUI attorney must not be based solely on cost. It is important to consider the lawyer’s level of experience, success rate and reputation. Bear in mind that the more experienced and reputable the lawyer, the more he is likely to charge for his services.
Lastly, you should ask the attorney about the case management. Will the lawyer personally represent you or will your case be assigned to someone else? Will he updating you regularly about the progress of your case? Can you call at any time if you have questions about your case? The answers to these questions will help you decide if the lawyer is right for you.
When choosing a NJ DUI Attorneys ask questions about their credentials and experience, their charges and about the management of your case.
What are your credentials and level of experience? What are you charges? How will the case be handled? These are some of the questions to ask NJ DUI attorneys.
