When you are facing DWI or DWAI charges, it is very important to hire an experienced New York DUI lawyer. These attorneys know the ins and outs of the process and will work hard to protect your rights. You should never attempt to handle your case alone. There are several factors to consider, including your case type, your legal rights, and the fee structure.
Questions to ask potential DUI lawyers
Before hiring a DUI lawyer, make sure you know what to ask them. The first conversation should be much more than a casual chat. It should serve as an interview to gauge whether the attorney is competent and experienced enough to handle your case. You may want to cover a number of topics, so you may want to start with ten questions.
The first question you should ask potential DUI lawyers is how they will handle your case. Whether you’re retaining their services or delegating your case, you’ll want to know what to expect. Also, you’ll want to know whether you can get in touch with the lawyer, if necessary. In addition, you should feel comfortable with the attorney’s demeanor.
Another question you should ask is if the lawyer has experience with the type of DUI case you’re facing. Even if it’s a first offense, DUI penalties can be severe. For example, you can face jail time, vehicle forfeiture, and license suspension. The penalties for a DUI case vary from state to state, but it’s important to understand the potential outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
Fee structure
Before hiring a DUI lawyer, you should know the fees that will be involved. Generally, a DUI lawyer’s fee is divided into three parts: retainer, motions, and trial. The retainer is the largest amount. There are also some DUI attorneys who must front-load their legal fees.
Flat fee attorneys usually charge between $2,500 and $4,000 for a case. This is based on the attorney’s estimate of time and effort necessary to win the case. The amount will also depend on whether the attorney will be able to negotiate a plea bargain or go to trial. An attorney who charges a flat fee is likely to be able to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, which will save you money.
Depending on the state, a DUI conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s career and future employment. A DUI is a permanent record, which will appear on any background check conducted by a prospective employer.
Scope of legal representation
You should understand the scope of legal representation when hiring an NYC DWI lawyer. The lawyer must explain to you what his or her responsibilities are, which charges he or she can defend, and how much the representation will cost. You should also be open and honest about the facts and circumstances of your case, as well as your concerns. Lastly, you should ask the attorney for clarification if you are not clear on something.
Impact of a DUI conviction
Whether your DUI is a first offense or a felony, the impact of a conviction can be devastating. Not only can you lose your license, but you can also lose your job. A DWI conviction can leave you without transportation to work or school, and may cause your license to be suspended for a year. Your driving privileges will also be suspended, and you’ll have to go through drug and alcohol assessments.
Insurance companies view a DWI conviction as a high risk, and this will increase your insurance premiums significantly. Though the exact amount varies from state to state, in general, a DWI conviction will increase your premiums by $1,500 per year, for three years.
If you’re currently employed, you’ll lose valuable work time. Moreover, you’ll have to spend countless hours in court and at DUI classes. A conviction could also keep you from getting a good job, since some jobs require clean driving records. Additionally, a criminal record can affect your chances of getting into college and even financial aid. It’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you get back on track.