Drunk driving or DWI charges aren’t all too unusual in the world; but, that doesn’t mean getting arrested on such charges doesn’t call for a strong legal representation. But, here’s the thing. If it happens to you, for the first time or during a subsequent time, finding the right DUI attorney to represent you, and scheduling a consultation to discuss your case - can all be intimidating.
To help you prepare for your initial consultation with a DUI attorney and ease some of your concerns, let us give you a little walkthrough here.
Once you have found a lawyer that you feel might be a good fit, you will start with a consultation. This will mark your first meeting where both you, as well as the attorney, will know more about each other.
The attorney will try to better understand the charges against you and everything related to the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the event. You, on the other hand, will use this consultation to ascertain whether or not this attorney possesses the experience, expertise, and reputation, to represent you in a court of law.
Be Prepared For Their Questions
The DWI attorney will ask you questions pertaining to the DWI, that include the evidence, witnesses, allegations, and so on. Despite any inclinations you might have to make yourself look innocent, it is crucial that you only tell the truth.
You should know that it doesn’t matter if you do not end up choosing this particular attorney to represent you; confidentiality laws will still bind them. It means they are not at liberty to disclose anything you tell them. Being totally upfront with a lawyer that you are considering representing you is imperative; the information that you provide to the DWI attorney will help them defend you to the best of their ability.
Come Prepared With Your Own Set of Questions
Next comes your turn to ask some of your own questions. Come prepared with questions such as what their fees will be, how much experience they have had defending similar clients, and how much success they have had. If you need to, you can ask for specific appointment times and days as well.
In case you are still unsure after this initial consultation, you may wish to consider meeting with one or two other well-regarded lawyers before you come to a decision. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to meet with a few different attorneys to compare their costs, approaches, and levels of expertise.
That way, after this first consultation, you can decide as to whether you feel confident in this lawyer’s style and experience. Most DWI attorneys offer potential clients a free initial consultation.
A Few Tips Before You Meet With Your DUI Lawyer
A good idea for you would be to write down any questions you think are important, to look up as a reference during the meeting. You should also bring with you a pen and notebook to jot down all critical information during the consultation.
In addition to the right questions, you will also need to be prepared with the right documents at your first consultation with a DUI attorney. These documents will include the papers that the arresting officer gave you at the time of the arrest (which will usually include a temporary driver’s license), police reports, bail papers, any court documents you have (specifically, paperwork that goes into detail about the charges against you, your next scheduled appearance in court, and so on), as well as any other documents related to the DWI arrest. You should keep the original paperwork with yourself, and bring copies for your lawyer to have a look. Alternatively, if you retain the lawyer, the lawyer can make copies of the relevant documents.
Moreover, both you and your lawyer should make a list of every individual connected to your case, which includes witnesses, victims, and other defendants. Such a list will prove highly beneficial as it will allow your attorney to check and ensure that no one within the firm, including your attorney, has neither represented anyone involved in your case in the past nor has a prior relationship of any kind with them. Anything that could be seen as a conflict of interest should be brought forth before moving forward.
Contact Us Today
Gaynell Williams LLC Attorney at Law offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case. The first consultation can be in person or it can be virtual, on the Internet. Call Gaynell Williams today at (504) 302-2462 for a free consultation as soon as possible. We will work around your schedule. New Orleans lawyers Gaynell Williams LLC Attorney at Law have offices in Gretna and Downtown New Orleans by appointment only.
This information has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorney in connection with any specific situation under Louisiana law and the applicable state or local laws that may affect your legal rights.
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