If you find yourself faced with DWI charges, you might feel lost about what to do next. You will want to start looking right away for a qualified Houston DWI attorney to help you. The following tips and tricks will help you know where to start searching as well as important questions to ask. Ask for Recommendations The first thing you want to do is identify some potential attorneys you might want to hire. If you are working with another attorney on another matter, such as a civil matter, a bankruptcy, or a divorce, ask him or her if they could make a recommendation. This shows you that the attorney you are thinking about hiring for a DWI case has a good reputation with other legal professionals. Another way to go about getting recommendations is to go online and look for reviews from past and present clients. If you know family or friends who have faced similar challenges, ask them who they have been happy with and who to avoid. Find the Right Focus Area When you are looking for an attorney, it is helpful to know what areas they practice. When talking to different attorneys, make sure you ask them about how much experience they have representing DWI clients specifically. There may be many bankruptcy or divorce lawyers who also practice criminal defense but they might not have the same breadth of experience that a lawyer who focuses specifically on DWI cases might have. Schedule Initial Consultations Many DWI attorneys will offer you a free initial consultation. During this initial consultation, you can discuss the details of your case with your lawyer to help you determine whether you have a strong case or not. The lawyer can also help you by identifying some of the strengths and weaknesses of your case that will help you build a strong defense. Ask About Any “Extras” Criminal defense cases as much as anything else often come fraught with additional challenges and unexpected factors you might not have been planning on. You can cover your bases by asking if there is any risk in your case of something else happening during the court proceedings that would add to what you owe the attorney. Find Out About Financing Options The costs of representation can add up and you might find yourself in over your head in terms of what you can pay for in one shot. If this sounds like you, then you should plan to ask your lawyer ahead of time if you can make payment arrangements or if the firm offers alternative financing plans. Some lawyers will offer financing and payment options to those who might struggle paying their attorney’s fees and court costs all at one time. Meet with a Few Attorneys Every person is different and you need to find a lawyer who will work for you. You need to make sure that you can get along well with him or her since you will be working with them for a little while. Be sure that they are easy for you to communicate with and that you understand the strategy they have for your case. If you work with a lawyer who isn’t able to answer your questions and give you satisfying answers, you will be less likely to feel confident in their abilities. Hiring the right attorney means asking the right questions and finding one that can work with you every step of the way. Reviewing these important questions to ask prospective lawyers, as well as following these tips for finding a qualified Houston DWI attorney will be very important to ensure you get through this complex process as smoothly as possible.
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