If you have been recently convicted with a DUI or DWI charge, you are likely in the process of hiring an attorney. In some situations, it may seem OK to proceed with your case without a lawyer, this can actually put you at a disadvantage and lead to a permanent charge on your record. 

In order to choose the best DUI defense lawyer for your case, you need to make sure you are asking the right questions. This will help give you the best odds of winning your case in court.

Here are some of the best questions to ask your DUI/DWI defense attorney.

1. Do you specialize in DUI defense?

This is an important question to ask because some lawyers specialize in DUI defense, while others are general practice lawyers. An attorney that specializes in DUI defense likely has a strong knowledge of alcohol-related crimes and might have more experience with this type of case. A good follow up question to this one is to ask how many years they have been practicing DUI law. Lawyers with years of experience are likely experts in your exact situation.

2. What is your success rate?

Finding out the attorney’s success rate will help you determine if they usually win cases for their clients. It also may be helpful to ask about specific client testimonials, in addition to reading reviews online and on the firm’s website. You also want to find out if their cases result in their clients ending up with a lesser offense or a charge dropped altogether. An attorney that doesn’t have a solid track record of dropping DUI charges is not likely to win your case.

3. How much will you charge for my case?

You will need to ask how much they are going to charge for your case and what portions of this are lawyer fees. Some lawyers charge hourly, while others charge a block fee. Asking about cost right off the bat is crucial so you don’t find out later you have hired an attorney that you can not afford.

4. What is your availability?

You need to choose a lawyer that is available to take on your case and can meet at times that work for your schedule. It is important to be upfront and open about your availability in the beginning to prevent conflict later.

5. What is the best way to proceed?

Ask the attorney how they would proceed with your case given all of the facts after you have shown them. It is important to show your arrest record and all of the information you have available. The attorney will then advise how they would move forward with the case, whether that is a plea agreement, going to trial, etc. If the lawyer has an outcome in mind that you did not, it may be best to look for a different one. You want to give yourself the best chance at winning the case that you can.