Comprehensive Arizona DUI Information
how to hire a dui lawyer
You've been arrested for DUI in Arizona. The next decision you make, which lawyer to hire to defend you, will have the biggest impact on your case and your future. Hiring a DUI lawyer can be the best thing you ever did, but if you choose the wrong one, you may end up much worse off.
Not all lawyers are equal. Some will try to con you. If you are not aware, in your vulnerable state, you may fall for a less than ethical sales pitch. Learn more about this.
Beware of the overextended lawyer. Lawyers don't get overextended by being too good. You need somebody who has the time and energy to focus on your case. Learn more.
Beware of deceptive DUI lawyer advertising. There are many marketing traps for the unwary.
Avoid lawyers who always plead their clients. You don't necessarily need an attorney to plead guilty as charged. Learn more.
Don't hire lawyers who lack recent experience. A lawyer may have handled hundreds of cases in his career, but if he has not recently been to trial in a DUI case, you might want to think twice. Learn more.
Is the lawyer equipped to handle your case now? Most courts in Maricopa County now insist that DUI cases be completed within six months. Can your lawyer work at this fast pace? Learn more.
What kind of fee ranges and structures can I expect? If you want to hire a good DUI defense lawyer, expect it to be expensive. There are several types of fee arrangments that DUI lawyers may present. Learn more about DUI fee structures.
Beware of law firm websites which talk about their team approach, but don't list any attorney other than the owner of the firm. If the lead attorney in the firm is not confident enough in his attorneys to put their names and faces on the firm website, what does that say about that lawyer or firm? The more questions you ask, the better protected you will be.
Watch out for lawyers who advertise that they will beat any other law firm's rate. Do you really want an attorney or firm who will bargain for your business? This means that they are willing to take any case. If you do, you should set your expectations accordingly. Do you really want to trust your case to the lowest bidder?
TOOLS:
Sample questions to ask DUI lawyers in your consultation.