DUI Charge? Here’s What To Do Next
Being arrested for a DUI, or any criminal offense for that matter is usually the most frightening and stressful event in a person’s life. For the great majority of people charged with DUIs, it is their very first criminal charge, and it can be an earth-shattering experience. If you find yourself caught up in the criminal justice system, you will have to decide whether or not to hire an attorney. If you choose to do so, be careful about which lawyer you pick; many who advertise that they “handle DUIs” are keen on accepting your retainer fee and just as soon accept the prosecutor’s first offer. You usually won’t get the best results if you don’t hire an experienced DUI attorney in Las Vegas. An inexperienced lawyer likely won’t know how to build the strongest possible defense for your case, or how to present it effectively to a judge or jury. Luckily, the Spartacus Law Firm specializes in DUI defense and will have the legal resources you need to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Should I Hire An Attorney For A DUI?
To put it simply, YES. Just think about it this way – if you had to have surgery for a medical condition, would you ever consider performing the surgery on yourself? DUIs may not always be as serious as complex surgery, but the long-term consequences if convicted are severe. Potential penalties include jail time, revocation of your driver’s license, high fees, impoundment costs,- – the list goes on. With such a negative effect on your finances and reputation, why would you risk going to court without representation?
A DUI defense lawyer who is both sharp and effective knows how to address your case just like a trained doctor knows how to prepare you for surgery. With the right training, experience, and expertise, a Las Vegas DUI lawyer will know how to analyze the facts of your particular case, investigate the law, attack the police reports and forensic science in your case and ultimately effectively present your defense to the prosecutor, judge and, in some cases, the jury. A good DUI attorney will not only review your case for any potential weak points but also construct a solid defense against those weaknesses. They will work to get you the best possible outcome and never accept the first plea offer that is given.
How Do I Find The Best DUI Lawyer In Las Vegas?
When choosing a DUI defense lawyer, it’s essential to consider the relationship you will have with them. After all, this is a personal decision. Here are some questions to ask during your attorney selection process that will help you make the right choice for your needs:
1. What Areas Of Law Does The Attorney Specialize In?
You probably know that not all lawyers have the same qualifications or experience. In fact, the law has hundreds of different specialties and sub-specialties. You may know a superstar civil litigator who knows nothing about criminal defense or DUI defense. You need a lawyer who is fully trained in DUI cases to be able to defend you against such charges comprehensively. Any lawyer can say they handle DUIs, so make sure the one you hire dedicates a large portion of their practice specifically to criminal defense and DUIs.
2. What Kind Of Qualifications Does The Attorney Have?
Many people are too intimidated to ask a lawyer about their qualifications. However, this is an important question, as you want to ensure that your lawyer is up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in DUI law. An expert DUI attorney will take yearly courses to ensure they are knowledgeable of any changes. Not only that, but a great DUI lawyer will have gone to seminars and classes discussing the latest changes in DUI law. This includes police procedures, forensics, field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, blood tests, and constitutional law issues.
3. What Experience With DUI Cases Does The Lawyer Have?
While training is essential, real courtroom experience from your lawyer in these types of cases is weighted more heavily. Get a valuation from your lawyer about the prosecutors, judges, and court staff’s relationships in the Court system handling your case. If they haven’t tried similar cases before or are unable to give you examples of prior successes, it might be worth reconsidering allocating time with them.
4. Will I Be Able To Communicate Directly With The Attorney?
After you’ve paid the retainer and your lawyer has been officially retained, many lawyers are difficult to get ahold of. While it’s important that your lawyer has competent staff to take care of some administrative duties, you should be able to discuss legal issues directly with your chosen attorney. A DUI lawyer who cares about you will make sure that you’re comfortable with them as they’ll be looking out for you throughout the duration of your case. Your lawyer should always be available to answer any questions you may have, and they should take the time to explain the process thoroughly.
5. Can You Guarantee Me A Certain Outcome?
If a potential DUI lawyer tells you they can guarantee certain results, it’s best to leave and look for different representation. This is an incredibly important question to ask, as nothing is ever guaranteed in any criminal case. Any ethical and talented lawyer will not make false promises like this to clients. Based on a conversation or two, it’s impossible for an attorney to tell you what the outcome of your case will be. There are too many variables involved including reviewing evidence and legal issues. You want a lawyer who can give you scenarios based on experience and knowledge so that you know what to expect – but they should never guarantee anything.
Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Lawyer Today
DUI charges in Nevada come with many severe penalties that can alter your life as you know it. That’s why finding legal representation should be at the top of your to-do list after being accused. At Spartacus Law Firm, our DUI attorney in Las Vegas will do everything possible to defend your case and protect your rights. If you are caught in a legal bind, call our team to ensure that every opportunity is explored and that your future is safeguarded. Contact our office today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
