Finding out that you’re facing criminal charges can instantly bring stress into your life. One priority that you have when you find out about the criminal matter is finding a criminal defense attorney who can represent you in court. It’s best to do this as quickly as possible because some options that you have for a defense strategy might be time-sensitive. For example, you can face a drunk driving charge in Texas if you have a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher. Cases involving this might qualify for pre-trial diversion but there are time limits for taking advantage of this option.
The criminal defense attorney who represents you can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. Making sure you have one who’s going to handle this matter with your best interests in mind is critical. Consider these tips after facing a DWI.
Referrals
Talk to friends and family members. Find out if they have a lawyer they’d recommend. Make a list of lawyers who practice in the area of criminal defense you need help with. For example, a federal case is handled much differently than a state case, so you need a lawyer who knows the court you’ll have to face.
Consultation
Schedule an initial consultation. You should be able to sit down with the attorney either in person, over video chat, or on the phone and discuss your case. Take the time to explain what’s going on and find out how they’ll handle it. Listen to what they tell you is realistic. What one attorney feels confident doing might not be the same thing that another is comfortable with.
Fees
Look at the fees you’ll pay. Attorney fees can vary greatly, so you must ensure you can afford the attorney you’re considering working with. Be sure you’re realistic about what you can pay. It will be difficult to try to find a criminal defense attorney in the middle of your case.
Once you decide which attorney you want to represent you, contact their office so you can find out how to put down a retainer. From there, you have an attorney who can stand up for you in court to ensure that your rights are respected. If you or a family member needs assistance after a DWI, contact us today.
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