Knowledge Is Power. Don’t Squander That Power.
After police arrest you and charge you with drunk driving, arranging a free consultation with a DUI attorney should be your top priority. That is because your Utah DUI defense lawyer is the only thing standing between you and the immediate and long-term consequences that follow a DUI conviction in Salt Lake City.
Why DUI Attorneys Offer Free Consultations
There is a reason that almost all DUI attorneys offer free initial consultations with people facing DUI charges. They know how serious these matters are and how frightening it can be when your future and freedom hang in the balance. The Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys understand the gravity of this situation.
By making these first calls or meetings accessible, they can ensure that every person charged with DUI can consult with an experienced defense lawyer without worrying about how much it will cost them.
The initial free consultation with a DUI attorney is completely confidential. According to Utah Code § 78B-1-137, anything you tell the lawyer and anything they say to you is protected by the attorney-client privilege, even if you don’t ultimately hire that lawyer for your case.
You should feel free to tell the lawyer everything about the incident that led to your arrest and anything that happened in your interactions with the police. Nothing you say can or will ever be used against you during your free consultation with a DUI attorney.
The most crucial part of your DUI defense revolves around the attorney having a complete picture of your situation. Having this crucial first meeting is the only way to ensure that your Salt Lake City DUI attorney can craft the best defense for you.
Related: 4 Ways To Protect Your Rights in Interactions with Police
Why Your Free Consultation With a DUI Attorney Is So Important
Your consultations with Salt Lake City DUI attorneys are only as good as you make them. These critical meetings are an opportunity to learn what a trained and skilled professional thinks about your case. They allow you to understand the process, learn what to expect moving forward, and explore your options.
They are also your chance to learn about the lawyer’s credentials, qualifications, and track record so you can decide who will hold your fate squarely in their hands.
Related: Searching for the Best DUI Attorney? Avoid These Mistakes.
Your free consultations with DUI attorneys combine information sessions and job interviews. You absolutely should meet with more than one attorney before choosing representation. You want to educate yourself about your case but also learn about the lawyer sitting across from you. The best way to get to know your lawyer and their defense strategies is by asking well-thought-out questions.
Questions About Your Case and What To Expect
What Are the Potential Consequences I’m Facing?
During your initial free consultation with a DUI attorney, a good defense attorney will provide insight into the potential consequences of your DUI charges, including license suspension, fines, ignition interlock requirements, probation, and possible jail time. A better understanding of the severity of the penalties you face upon conviction will enable you to make wise choices.
Can You Explain the Legal Process for My DUI Case?
Before hiring an attorney, you must clearly understand the legal process, the various stages involved, and the timeline associated with your DUI case. Ask the attorney to explain what to expect, from arraignment to trial, and how long each phase will likely take. This vital information can help you set your expectations at a reasonable level.
What Are the Potential Defenses To The Charges?
No matter how dire your circumstances may seem, defenses are almost always available against DUI charges. A skilled DUI defense attorney will assess the details of your case and identify potential defenses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Ask the attorney to evaluate your case and discuss any viable defenses they may pursue, such as improper administration of breathalyzer tests or lack of probable cause for the traffic stop.
See More: When Is DUI A Felony in Utah?
Questions About The Attorney
As previously stated, a free consultation with a DUI attorney is like a job interview. Job interviews involve asking questions to determine whether this person has the experience, qualifications, and record of success you want in your lawyer.
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 like mine have you defended in Salt Lake City? What were the outcomes of the DUI cases that you’ve handled?
- Will you handle my DUI defense personally, or will another lawyer at your firm take it over?
- How much will my DUI defense cost?
- Do you offer any payment plans?
Charged With Drunk Driving In Salt Lake City? Call Intermountain Criminal Defense Today For Your Free Consultation With a DUI Attorney.
If you’re arrested for DUI in Utah, you face immediate challenges and severe long-term consequences if you are convicted. It is not a time to go it alone, and it’s no time to put your future in just anybody’s hands. The Salt Lake City DUI defense attorneys at Intermountain Criminal Defense have a long record of successful results in DUI and DWI cases and work tirelessly to obtain the best outcome in every case. Contact Intermountain Criminal Defense today to arrange for your free initial consultation.
