Top Questions To Ask

If you've been charged with a DUI (driving under the influence), it is important to get the best legal representation you can. Here are some of the top questions to ask a DUI attorney to make sure you're hiring a solid attorney who can get you the best possible outcome.

1. Will you be the one representing me in the court room?

Many law firms will subject you to a bait and switch. An impressive attorney with a yard-long list of credentials and achievements will be the one to give you your initial consultation, but on your court date a junior associate from the firm will show up to carry out the actual trial. If you can, hire a attorney who can give unified personal attention to your case instead of passing it off to one of his partners.

2. Can you tell me about a time you got a better plea bargain than the prosecutor seemed willing to offer?

A good attorney will know when to take the plea bargain and when to call the prosecutor's bluff and push the matter. A wrong call in either direction can be bad news for you. This is one of the top questions to ask a DUI attorney because it will give you a chance to get a sense of how skillful the attorney is at navigating tricky negotiations on your behalf.

3. What difficulties do you foresee in my case?

This is a good way to get a sense of both your legal situation and the attorneys skills. Watch for how clearly the attorney can communicate, how many aspects the attorney discusses and how insightful the analysis of your case is.

4. How many of your DUI cases go to trial by jury and what have the results been?

In a small percentage of DUI cases -- perhaps 5 to 10 percent -- the plea bargain offered by the prosecutor is not good enough and the case goes to jury trial. It is important to know whether your attorney has had successful experience in jury trials. Jury trials for DIU charges are a very different game than the plea bargain negotiations.

5. What will the outcome of my case be?

This question is a great way to test a attorneys honesty and professionalism. A worthwhile attorney won't make any promises about how your case will turn out.