When you are searching for a DWI lawyer, you want to make sure you hire one who has the experience to represent you. You also want to find out how much the lawyer charges for their services and what the penalties are for DWI.
Experience matters
Inexperienced lawyers are likely to make you worse off. That said, the right lawyer can provide a major boost.
When you find yourself in the unfortunate position of facing a DUI charge, it is important to hire the best Houston DWI attorneys. These attorneys have the expertise to build a strong defense and get the case dismissed. This is particularly true if you have been convicted a number of times.
There are many legal practitioners out there that claim to specialize in drunk driving cases. Unfortunately, they don’t actually focus on winning these cases. They are likely to be involved in a number of other professional services.
To find the expert DWI lawyer, it’s wise to limit your search to criminal defense lawyers with an emphasis on drunk driving. It’s also smart to avoid firms that sign up with any available lawyer.
While there are some great attorneys in all regions of the country, the pool of super lawyers is typically small. A specialist DUI-DWI lawyer will have the resources to locate top-notch expert witnesses and handle pre-trial motions. The best lawyer can also structure your case to capitalize on legal transitions such as plea deals or a suspension of your license.
Penalties of DWI
Driving under the influence (DWI) is a criminal offense that carries a wide range of penalties, depending on the state and the number of times a person has been arrested for it. Typically, driving while intoxicated is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries penalties such as a fine and a driver’s license suspension.
If a person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, they are considered to be impaired, and may be required to complete an ignition interlock device program, which can include a six-month or a year license suspension. Depending on the state, the person could also face jail time or a license revocation.
A first-time DWI charge can result in a maximum of three months in jail. The person’s license may be suspended or revoked, and they may be required to attend special educational programs.
A second DWI offense carries a minimum of one year in jail. License suspensions are typically for a period of 18 months. In addition to court-ordered community service, the person must install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.
Interviewing a DWI lawyer
If you’ve been charged with DUI, you should be hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. A conviction could ruin your life. It can also damage your reputation. You might lose your job or your driving privileges.
The best DWI lawyer can help you understand the charges, determine the proper course of action, and defend you against the ramifications. They’ll also make sure you follow all the legal and procedural requirements.
A DUI attorney can also keep your case off your record. There are many variables to consider when choosing the right lawyer. For example, you might want to hire a lawyer who has handled a similar case or has access to a database of drunk drivers.
One of the most important questions you’ll need to ask a prospective DWI attorney is about his or her fee structure. Some attorneys charge hourly while others offer a flat fee for all DWI related services. While your case might not be for which an hourly attorney is ideal, a fixed fee can save you from a huge bill at the end of the case.
Retainer fee
A retainer fee is an upfront money paid to a lawyer before he begins working on a case. The fee compensates the attorney for his expertise and reputation. It also protects him from unexpected events.
Retainer fees vary based on the type of matter and location. For example, litigation matters are usually more expensive than non-litigation cases. Litigation matters also tend to involve more staff and administrative costs. This makes it difficult to determine what the fee should be.
An attorney’s fee may be negotiable, but in many cases, it is not. If you cannot find an attorney willing to take your case, you can always seek a loan to pay for the retainer. You can even apply for a new credit card to pay for the lawyer’s fee.
However, paying for a retainer can be a challenge, especially if you are involved in a complicated dispute. Your attorney may charge interest on late payments, and you can expect to pay more for a larger deposit if funds are low.