Six inquiries to ask your San Jose DUI legal professional

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Driving and alcohol are a terrible combination and have been dubbed the lane killer. Statistics show that in the US alone, about 28 people die in drunk driving accidents every day. That means one person dies every 52 minutes due to drink driving.

Despite this, it is estimated that each year over 1.5 million people in the US are still caught drunk driving and fined for DUI (driving under the influence). More than 125,000 people have been arrested for drunk driving in California.

Although the circumstances of each DUI case are different, the consequences that people face are always severe – license suspension, expensive fines, lengthy prison terms, community service, and so on. That said, being on the wrong side of a DUI case is the last place you want to be. However, if you are already there, what can you do to get a favorable outcome? Hire a reliable one DUI attorney near you.

This article lists six questions to ask when hiring the best DUI attorney in San Jose to represent your DUI case.

1. Do you have experience dealing with DUI cases in San Jose?

Penalties for a DUI conviction have been severe in recent years. So you want to make sure that you find a highly qualified lawyer by your side – someone with extensive experience dealing with DUI cases in San Jose.

You may need a DUI attorney with years of experience representing clients facing DUI charges and who has achieved a favorable outcome for their clients. Preferably, you want an attorney who focuses solely on DUI or DUI-related cases.

2. Do you have a current license?

Experience aside, you want to make sure that the attorney you choose is licensed to practice in San Jose. Some laws differ by location. Therefore, you should make sure that the lawyer you choose practices locally.

You can check your local bar association’s website to see if a particular attorney is licensed in San Jose. Otherwise, you may need to keep looking. Additionally, you want to ask the attorney if he/she is certified to administer a standardized field sobriety test. This way he/she will know if the arresting officer did your tests correctly.

Aside from that, you can also ask your attorney if he/she is certified with a specific DUI organization or has completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Standardized Field Sobriety Test courses. Such specialized training can help a DUI attorney better understand DUI law and your unique situation.

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3. How will you investigate my DUI case?

Any attorney must investigate your DUI case further. It often includes a full review of all evidence and documents presented to support the DUI charges against you.

Such documents may include probable witness statements, police reports, blood test results, or Breathalyzer Results. A lawyer should spend considerable time and effort reviewing every detail of the events leading up to, during, and after your DUI arrest.

Through this type of extensive investigation, an attorney can assess the evidence against you and develop a strong defense that can solve your case.

4. How often do your DUI cases come to court and would you be willing to take it to court?

Most DUI cases in San Jose are usually settled out of court. This is the most favorable event for the parties involved. Understanding what percentage of your prospective attorney’s cases are resolved can give you insights into the types of deals he/she can generate.

However, this still depends on your individual case. So if your DUI case doesn’t go right during negotiations, will your attorney be ready to defend you in court? For example, say that you disagree with a case offer that is about to be presented. Will your lawyer follow your wishes and take your case to court? These questions are crucial to create the right expectations in the first place.

5. How much do you charge?

Hiring a DUI attorney can get expensive. You should ask in advance how much the DUI attorney will charge and try to paint a clear picture of what you can afford. During the consultations, you must ask the DUI attorney about their fee structure. You need to know right away how he/she will bill you. In addition to their tariff, most DUI attorneys will also work with private investigators or third parties to support your case.

These obligations can cause the cost of your legal services to increase, which can create a financial burden. So make sure you get an itemized list of the potential costs of the DUI attorney’s legal service. Also, you want to ask about the types of payment he/she accepts.

6. Can you provide references?

Any DUI attorney in San Jose will try to convince you that he/she is the best for your case. Refrain from trusting him/her at face value. Instead, you want to ask for references and if you can speak to his/her past clients.

Any reliable DUI attorney will have no reason not to give you what you ask for. Suppose he/she can’t give you any references. Maybe he lacks experience or he’s hiding something.

Once the DUI attorney provides you with a list of references, speak to those people immediately. Talking to previous clients gives you a better insight into how the attorney has helped them in their cases. You can ask them about the outcome of their cases. You can also ask how the lawyer behaved in court. Ask about any questions or issues clients have experienced while working with the DUI attorney.

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Conclusion

If you are accused of DUI, you are likely to be nervous, upset, anxious, and emotional about the impact these changes will have on your work and personal life. However, if you have been arrested or charged with drunk driving, we recommend that you do not face the situation alone. Instead, find a good DUI attorney who can help you get a favorable outcome for your case.

Be sure to ask the six questions above when speaking with any DUI attorney in San Jose so you can find the right expert for your situation.

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