DUI/DWI Attorney in Great Falls, Montana
Things to Consider in Hiring a DUI/DWI Lawyer
In 2012, over 1.8 million drivers were arrested due to driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. The arrest rate is 1 out of 165 licensed drivers in the US. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest is something that is sure to be very stressful to encounter. However, as part of the consequence, it is necessary to face it and take action about the situation. If you're facing a DUI/DWI situation, you should be informed and prepared.
Hiring a professional and experienced DUI/DWI lawyer is a must for you to take your burden away. DUI/DWI lawyers provide help in determining whether to plead you guilty or take your case to the court. If your case is complicated, the lawyer has the expertise in navigating the broad legal system.
Every state has DUI laws deeming "per se intoxicated" every driver with BAC or Blood-Alcohol Concentration above the limit, which is .08. Moreover, the state can charge any individual once they violate one law. A DUI lawyer provides service in helping you clearly understand what are the charges set against you and give you the best advice on how to proceed with your case.
How to Find the Best DUI Lawyer?
A DUI lawyer can really have an impact on your life. They can affect your employment, driving privileges, and can even be a sign of a potential jail time. With these impacts, you may need to find options as much as possible.
Come Up a "Potential DUI Lawyer" List
There are many resources where you can find the best lawyer to handle your DUI case. You can seek out personal recommendations and do research on National Associations and State Bar Associations. If you have already done these two, you can start making the list of the great and potential lawyers that you would like to meet.
Determine if the DUI Lawyer is qualified to Handle Your Case
Right after you have done your preliminary research, you now have to consider the qualifications of every DUI lawyer on your list so that you can make the best choice. You can find if any of them is qualified to handle a DUI case through their educational background, their areas of specialty and if they have an outstanding position in the state bar.
Meet the Lawyer for an "In-Person Consultation"
Meeting the DUI lawyers is a great help for you to come up with the best decision. This in-person consultation will help you in deciding which of them you are most comfortable dealing with. You can also assess their personalities and confidence if you meet them in person. A consultation can give both of you the chance to discuss the case as well as talk about the lawyer's experience in similar cases.
Consider the Lawyer's Fee
The lawyer's fee is one of the important things you need to ponder. How much do you think a DUI lawyer costs? The average cost of a non-property, non-injury damage ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. There are various factors that interfere with how a lawyer sets their fees. A top DUI lawyer can probably charge higher because of experience, ability, and reputation. Weigh and think about your options as well as how much you're willing to pay for your defense.