You Need a Lawyer ASAP, But You Don’t Need to Rush Your Decision
Hiring the best DUI attorney you can find to defend you against such serious charges should be your top priority after being arrested for drunk driving. But while you are urgently searching for the lawyer best equipped to represent you, you can easily make critical mistakes that can lead to a bad choice and outcome.
When searching for the best DUI attorney in Salt Lake City, it’s not hard to understand why people may hire the wrong person for their case. Most charged with drunk driving have never needed an attorney before. When it comes to finding the best DUI lawyer, they have no idea what to look for, how to start the process, and how to avoid making costly mistakes.
We are here to alleviate the stress of searching for a drunk driving attorney by revealing steps you can take to ensure the right fit for your case. Time is of the essence, and you have one shot at hiring the best DUI attorney.
Follow our advice to avoid making these three common mistakes in your search for a drunk driving attorney in Salt Lake City.
Hiring The First Lawyer You Talk To
An arrest and charge for DUI can be a traumatic experience. Suddenly, you face the genuine prospect of losing your driving privileges, going to jail, having a criminal record, and all of the other consequences that follow a conviction.
You don’t know what happens next, how the process works, or what to do to protect yourself and your rights. But the one thing you do know is that you need to hire a lawyer as swiftly as possible to secure your freedom. The need for immediate legal help can make hiring the first lawyer you speak with tempting, but there are good reasons to be wary of doing so. While you may ultimately choose to retain that first attorney, if you do so before meeting with other potential candidates, you could miss out on hiring the best DUI attorney for your circumstances.
Consider the attorney hiring process as you would if you were an employer looking to hire someone for a critical role at your company. You wouldn’t just hire someone because their resume was the first one you saw. You’d look at multiple applications and then narrow it down to the handful you want to learn more about. You’d interview more than one candidate, no matter how impressive the first candidate may be, just to ensure you have explored all your options. Hiring a drunk driving attorney in Salt Lake City is no different.
Related: What Are the Consequences of a First-Time DUI in Utah?
Given that the best DUI attorneys offer free initial consultations, it costs you nothing to meet with multiple lawyers. You are not obligated to hire an attorney simply because you met and had a conversation with them. While the first lawyer you meet with may, in fact, be the one you ultimately hire to defend you, don’t let urgency keep you from making a fully informed decision. Consider all your options when hiring the best DUI attorney for the most advantageous outcome.
Limiting Your Search To What You See Around You
There are a lot of DUI attorneys in Salt Lake City, but only a fraction of them advertise on billboards, TV, or elsewhere. Don’t make the mistake of limiting your choices to only those lawyers who spend money on ads.
Many of the best DUI attorneys don’t have ads because they don’t need them. Their phones ring because they have earned a reputation for successfully defending DUI clients. They are the ones whose names you may get from a family member, friend, or colleague who hired them when they found themselves in a similar spot. These attorneys come recommended for a reason, and those referrals are worth their weight in salt. Still, dig a little deeper.
When you receive a recommendation, do your homework before making your decision. Look at the attorney’s website to learn about their experience, credentials, and general approach to the local laws, especially with cases like yours. Remember that one size does not fit all, and look for a DUI attorney who will craft the best strategy for your case.
See Also: Can I Drive After A DUI Conviction in Utah?
Visit other credible websites for reviews or client testimonials, as the attorney’s website will likely contain only glowing reviews. Consider that not all that glitters is gold, and take your time choosing your drunk driving attorney. An unfavorable review can be eye-opening, whereas a positive review can reveal why they are the best DUI attorney for you. After narrowing down the field, pick up the phone or send an email to arrange for a free initial consultation with two or three attorneys who seem to fit the bill for you.
See More: The Importance of Hiring a Skilled DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
Not Asking Questions
As previously stated, your initial meetings with DUI attorneys are like job interviews. Job interviews involve asking questions to determine whether this person has the experience, qualifications, and record of success you want in your lawyer. Don’t be intimidated or feel embarrassed asking questions. If the lawyer seems annoyed or impatient when you ask them about themselves, that is a sign that you should look elsewhere for representation.
Consider asking these questions at your initial meetings:
- How long have you been practicing DUI defense in Salt Lake City?
- Do you only handle DUI and other criminal cases, or do you practice in other areas of the law?
- How many DUI cases have you defended? How many drunk driving cases are you defending now?
- What were the outcomes in DUI cases similar to mine that you have handled?
- Are you handling my DUI defense personally, or will another lawyer at your firm work on it?
- How much will my DUI defense cost, and do you offer any payment plans?
Looking For The Best DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City? Call DUI Defense Attorneys Intermountain Criminal Defense Today For Your Free Initial Consultation.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Utah, you face immediate challenges and severe long-term consequences if you are convicted. Don’t trust your freedom and future to any one-size-fits-all attorney. The Salt Lake City DUI defense attorneys at Intermountain Criminal Defense have a long record of successful outcomes for DUI and DWI cases. Our team works night and day to secure the best ending to your DUI case. Contact Josh today to arrange for your free initial consultation.
Related posts:
Questions You Should Ask During Your Free Consultation With a DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
Protect Your Rights: The Importance of Hiring a Skilled DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
Finding The Best Criminal Attorney In Salt Lake City
What to Expect When Hiring a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney