If you are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Arizona, your choice of criminal defense attorney is important. Not all DUI defense lawyers are created equal. You need to take the time to select the right lawyer based on your case and circumstances. With a good attorney, you can protect your rights and potentially have DUI charges reduced or even dismissed. Use these tips to find the right Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you.
Search for a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer
Keep your search for the right DUI lawyer local. Local knowledge is important during a drunk driving defense case. Your lawyer will need to thoroughly understand Arizona’s DUI laws. It can also benefit you to have an attorney with knowledge of the local criminal court system, with relationships with judges and prosecutors. A lawyer’s local reputation can help your case. You want an attorney who can show up in person in Arizona to represent you during police interrogations, help you get out of jail and attend hearings on your behalf.
Look at the Law Firm’s History
Research a law firm as much as you can before making your decision. Look for a focus in driving under the influence criminal defense and use the About Us page to learn more about each individual lawyer and how the law firm operates as a whole. Read past client reviews or testimonials to get an idea of how the law firm treats its clients. You can also peruse past case results that have been achieved by the DUI defense lawyer, such as case dismissals and charge reductions. This can prove that the lawyer has what it takes to achieve your case goals. Keep in mind, however, that past successes do not guarantee a positive outcome for your case.
Consider a Former Prosecutor
While it is not a requirement, it can help to hire a DUI lawyer with a history of previously working as a prosecutor in Maricopa County. This could give you an edge during your DUI case, as your lawyer will know exactly how the prosecution works, thinks and operates, and what to expect from the other side of your case. A former prosecutor can draw on his or her experience to develop strong, successful strategies for defending you during a DUI case.
Schedule a Free Consultation and Ask Questions
If you believe you have found a great DUI defense attorney in your city, schedule a free case consultation for the opportunity to meet the lawyer in person (or over the phone) and ask questions about your case, rights and future. Bring a list of questions to ask during your case review to learn more about the attorney and determine if he or she is the right fit. Examples include:
- Who will be the attorney who handles my case?
- What type of training and experience do you have in handling DUI cases?
- How many DUI cases have you worked on in my city?
- Do you have a history of successfully resolving DUI cases for your clients?
- What strategies might you use to defend me?
- How much do you charge for your services?
The attorney you choose should have years of experience in DUI defense law and a history of achieving successful outcomes for past clients. Pay attention to how the attorney makes you feel during the consultation; you should have the lawyer’s undivided attention and get the feeling that he or she is a legal professional that you can trust to protect your best interests. The attorney should be willing to listen to you, confident in his or her legal knowledge, and eager to take on your case.
Don’t wait – if you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Arizona, contact Corso Law Group at (480) 471-4616 to arrange a free, confidential case consultation with our experienced DUI defense attorneys.