A DUI charge can make you feel as if you’re being thrown in a lions den. The stakes are very high and the legal system can be a confusing maze. You may feel confused, overwhelmed, or scared. You’re not the only one who feels this way. Finding Tampa DUI Defenders can make a huge difference.
Imagine you’re driving back home from a night with friends. You feel fine after a few drinks, but you’re still able to drive. You suddenly see flashing lights on your rearview. You pull over and your heart starts to race. Before you know it, a breathalyzer is being administered on the side. The next thing you know you are in handcuffs and facing a DUI charge.
What now? Breathe. You need to hire an attorney that knows the Tampa courtrooms by heart.
How do you choose the perfect lawyer for your case? Ask for referrals from family and friends who have been in similar situations. The word-of-mouth recommendation is valuable, as it comes from trusted people.
The next step is to research online ratings and reviews. Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell are websites that provide insight into the reputation of attorneys and their client experiences. Remember to take reviews with a grain-of-salt. One bad review does not mean that an attorney isn’t doing their job well.
Consult potential attorneys once you have narrowed your list. Many offer a free first meeting where you can discuss the case and get an idea of their style and approach.
Ask questions – lots of them – during these consultations! How many DUI cases has he handled? What is their success rate in DUI cases? Have they handled cases like yours before? You can tell by their answers if they are the right person for you.
Pay attention to the way they communicate with each other during these meetings. Are they patient and understanding? Are they able to explain things without legal jargon and in a clear manner? You should feel confident and comfortable with your lawyer.
It is important to remember that all lawyers do not charge the same fees. Some lawyers charge a flat rate while others bill per hour – and those hours can quickly add up! Be sure to understand the costs before you sign any contracts.
Read your agreements carefully. If you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises when it’s time to pay your bill, make sure that you read the agreement carefully.
You need to find someone who is available when you are in the most dire need. This means not only during normal business hours, but also on weekends or evenings if needed.
We should discuss strategy because each case is unique, and so should its defense plan. Depending on the circumstances of an arrest, some attorneys may suggest negotiating a plea deal while others might push for a trial.
A friend shared a story of being pulled over for a traffic violation after attending the Gasparilla Parade. This was a huge deal in Florida! He claimed to be sober but failed the roadside test due to nerves alone. His lawyer was able prove this convincingly, resulting in reduced charges instead of a full-blown conviction.
It’s important to have realistic expectations during the process, as outcomes can vary greatly depending on each individual situation. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not possible despite all efforts made by clients.
Finding the right attorney is really about doing your homework and trusting your gut instinct. Then, you have to stick with the plan laid out in collaboration. You will achieve the best result possible under these circumstances.