3 Critical Questions You Should Ask Your DWI Attorney

 When charged with a DWI, many clients are confused, stressed, and anxious—even after they’ve posted bail. That feeling often continues throughout the process of hiring their lawyer. There, they fail to do their research and ask the right questions, only to find themselves (and their future) in the hands of the wrong lawyer.



If you were recently charged with a DWI or DUI (for minors), make sure you find a qualified, experienced, and empathetic lawyer who will build an aggressive case to defend your rights. With so many practicing attorneys in Texas, choosing the right lawyer can be challenging, to say the least. To help, here are three questions you can ask as you decide which attorney is best for you.

1. How Many DWI Cases Have You Personally (Not Your Firm) Handled in Your Career?

Chances are, you don’t hire the entire firm, you hire an attorney within the firm. While you may be working with an attorney who specifically handles DWI cases, it’s possible that they’re new and inexperienced. They may well be a brilliant lawyer, but if they’ve only handled a handful of DWI cases, they may need one of the more senior lawyers to help.

To ensure that the law firm is transparent, ask about your attorney’s experience with DWI and DUI cases. Get as specific as possible and ask about cases that may be similar to yours and how they approached them. What were the outcomes of those cases? Were they dismissed? Was the client found guilty or not guilty? Ask additional questions about cases in which their client was found guilty and why the case didn’t result in a favorable outcome. Did the attorney appeal?

Recommended Read: How to Protect Your Rights During a DUI Traffic Stop

2. What Is Your Strategy?

 


Always inquire about your DWI attorney’s strategy. This is a critical question that should be asked in the initial consultation. If the lawyer says they need more time to look at the particulars of your case, give them that time. No matter how much you know about the law, the answer you receive will help you gain a lot of insight into how the attorney plans on presenting your case.

Ideally, the answer should demonstrate a strong willingness to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. The attorney should have a clear plan. If you hear a clear, confident, and aggressive strategy with the goal of getting your case dismissed, you can feel confident that the lawyer you are meeting with can help you protect your freedom and future.

3. Could You Please Break Down the Expenses?

You should know how much they charge from the beginning. Most DUI attorneys charge a flat fee for the DWI defense. They will likely charge extra for the administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing and even more should your case go to trial. Make sure they are very clear about their fee structure and what events may incur extra charges.  

Make sure you clarify the payment terms. Some attorneys require half of the quoted fee up front and half at a later date. Some can take monthly payments. You should also ask them if they take credit cards.

If the additional expenses are justified and your lawyer is transparent about them, then it’s up to you whether that’s acceptable. Just make sure the attorney is clear about additional charges, including blood sample retesting, expert witness fees, etc. Tell the lawyer that you want “no surprises” at the end of the engagement.

Recommended Read: What to Expect After a DWI Arrest in Texas

If you’re looking for an experienced and qualified DWI or DUI lawyer in the Clear Lake area, call Attorney J.L. Carpenter today at 713-561-5931. She has an impressive track record, which is reflected by her client reviews. Click here for a closer look at her practice areas.

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