Drunk Driving Defense: Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 2: Attorneys
<- Chapter 1: Arrest
Chapter 3: Arraignment and Pre-trial ->
- Should I hire an attorney to represent me? Will it be worth the cost?
The answer depends on how much you value your driver's license and your personal freedom. Do you like going to jail and paying high fines? For some people, personal freedom and a driving license is not worth much to them, and in their case, hiring an attorney is not going to be worth the cost.
Hiring an attorney will not guarantee that you will not pay fines and or go to jail. However, you will receive many valuable benefits, including:
- You will have an expert at your side to advise you of your rights and how the law operates;
- You will be assisted by a trial lawyer with experience dealing with the prosecutor and the judge. An attorney knows how to speak their language.
- The threat of a lengthy trial from a seasoned attorney can sometimes induce the prosecution to make plea offers that an un-represented party would not get on his own; and
- The fact that you care enough about your situation that you have hired an attorney will have a positive impact on the judge's opinion of you.
- What questions should I ask before hiring an attorney?
The following questions are a good place to start:
- Does the attorney have experience in the court where you are charged?
- Does the attorney return calls in a timely fashion?
- Does the attorney have a retainer agreement that spells out how much you are going to be charged?
- Will I get an itemized bill of all services and charges on a monthly basis?
- Will I get copies of all important documents in the case?
- Will I be billed for phone calls to the attorney?
- Lastly, does the attorney have a web site (like this one) or other printed information available so you do not have to pay to get the basic questions answered?
<- Chapter 1: Arrest
Chapter 3: Arraignment and Pre-trial ->
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer and Conditions of Use | Accessibility Statement
