5 Questions
To Ask Before Hiring A DWI Attorney In Rochester NY
Asking
the right questions before hiring a DWI lawyer makes a considerable impact on
the resolution of your case. If you've been recently arrested because of
driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a DWI an attorney can help in many ways, like reducing your penalty, jail sentence or
completely dismissing the case.
You
need to hire a DWI lawyer quickly because the criminal justice system works
faster as compared to a civil lawsuit, and you don't want to end up spending
your time to handle the situation on your own. Many lawyers are willing to meet
you and discuss your case, so it's your chance to have an interview to
determine if you've found the right lawyer for you.
Here
are the important questions you need to ask before hiring a DWI attorney in
Rochester NY:
1.
Educational background and training specialization
Aside from taking up law and passing the bar exam, a lawyer
should also have the training to be a DWI specialist. You'll find many trusted
and reputable lawyers in Rochester NY when you search online and find someone
who is qualified, an expert, and respectable. It's now easier to research about
DWI lawyers through law firm websites, such as www.dwiguy.com,
with the technology we have today.
Here are other credentials that you need to ask from them:
● Certification by organizations, like
the National College for DUI Defense or NCDD
● National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration training in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests administration
● Breathalyzer Machine Training
Note: A critical part of your DWI case may rely on whether
the police officer conducted the roadside tests correctly. These DUI-related
training certificates are usually seen hanging on the lawyer’s office wall or
law firm's website.
2.
Experience
Asking this will gauge the experience of a DWI lawyer,
specifically the trial experience as shown in the number of cases handled in a
year. A good choice should be a lawyer with 100% caseload focused on DWI or
related cases.
A DWI attorney in Rochester NY should be up to date and
knowledgeable about DWI law in the state including:
● Driving While Ability Impaired by
Alcohol
● Driving While Ability Impaired by a
Single Drug other than Alcohol
● Driving While Ability Impaired by a
Combined Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
● Zero Tolerance Law
● Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated
● Penalties for drug-related or
alcohol violations, which includes the mandatory excellent, maximum jail term,
and drivers license action
Note: It's a good idea to ask if the DWI lawyer also worked
as a DWI prosecutor, public defender, or police officer in the past and if they
have talked with an arresting police officer in a DUI ride-along. A good DWI the attorney also has enough experience in the field or outside the court, like
handling car accident cases.
3. Local
court system knowledge
The DWI lawyer you'll choose should practice in your county.
A DWI attorney should be familiar with the prosecutors who would likely handle
your case and knows what types of plea deals are usually offered.
4. Overall
Success Rate
It helps to know the number of cases they have been able to
successfully dismissed or at least plea bargain down due to reckless driving.
While the number of successful DWI cases doesn't directly reflect the possible outcome of your case, you'll have peace of mind that the lawyer will do their
best to win your case at your best interest.
5. Expected
legal professional fees
It should be clear to you how the lawyer will be charging
you for their professional legal services. While a flat fee is standard for DWI
lawyers, others charge an hourly rate. Determine how you'll be billed. Also,
ask if there will be extra fees, like expert witness fees.
Apart from legal fees, here are the other expected related expense involved
in a DWI case:
● First Instance: Aggravated Driving
While Intoxicated has a mandatory fine of 1,000 to 2,500 USD
● Second instance in 10 years: AGG
DWI has a mandatory fine of 1,000 to
5,000 USD
● Third Instance in 10 years: AGG DWI
has a mandatory fine of 2,000 to 10,000 USD
● Post Bail: 500 to 2,500 USD or more
● Towing and Impounding expenses: a
few hundred dollars to more than 1,000 USD depending on the municipality
Conclusion
Once
you've selected the right DWI attorney for you, you'll have a peace of mind
that someone is in the best position to legally represent you. Keep the tips
mentioned above in mind, or write them in your notebook or smartphone so you
won't miss asking the right questions from your prospective DWI lawyer.