Slide 1: 15 Questions to Ask before Hiring your Legal
El Paso DWI | DUI Help Guide
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Slide 2: 1. How many years have you been practicing law?
This simple question will tell you a lot about the attorney’s experience. You are facing serious charges, and you don’t want someone’s inexperience to negatively impact your defense.
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Slide 3: 2. How much experience do you have representing clients that are facing DUI/DWI charges?
If your attorney has 20 years experience, but has only defended 20 cases in those years, that means that they are not very active in this area of law. It is imperative that you hire someone that is very active in DUI/DWI defense. It is recommended that you seek someone who specializes in DUI/DWI defense.
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Slide 4: 3. Do you have any direct experience in it comes to handling a case similar to mine?
You don't want a lawyer that doesn't have any experience in defending cases like yours. If your attorney has been practicing DUI/DWI defense law for a while, they will likely have seen cases that are similar to yours. When interviewing the attorney, don't be afraid to ask for specific examples.
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Slide 5: 4. How many cases have you taken to a jury trial?
In order to get the outcome you deserve your case may need to go to trial. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire a lawyer that has extensive trial experience. Again don't be afraid to ask for examples and results.
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Slide 6: 5. Do you have relationships with expert witnesses?
If your attorney answers “No” it is very likely that they do not have experience with cases that have gone to trial. This may be a “red flag” and will depend on the specifics of your case.
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Slide 7: 6. What are the potential legal costs involved in my case including: attorneys fees, investigations, expert witnesses, testing, etc.
It is important to have an open and upfront dialogue regarding all of the expenses associated with your case. Your attorney should have a firm grasp on all the potential expenses required to defend your case.
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Slide 8: 7. Who in your office will be handling my case and what are their experiences?
Many attorneys work in a firm that has a team of attorneys involved. You want to be sure that the person doing the bulk of the work on your case has the experience that you would expect for your defense. If someone else is working on your case, you have the right to better understand their background and qualifications.
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Slide 9: 8. Are you covered by legal malpractice insurance?
This is mandatory coverage for all attorneys.
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Slide 10: 9. What challenges do you see in my case?
An attorney with experience in DUI/DWI casework has seen many different circumstances surrounding drinking and driving, and should be able to draw on their experiences to provide immediate feedback on your situation.
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Slide 11: 10. What will be the final outcome of my case?
If your attorney answers definitively, then you should head for the door. A good DUI/DWI attorney will never promise a specific result of how your case may turn out. The only thing the attorney should be promising to you is their commitment to defending the rights to the best of their ability.
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Slide 12: 11. Are you extremely familiar with the judges and prosecutors that will be involved with my case? Do you have a strong relationship with those individuals?
Are you extremely familiar with the judges and prosecutors that will be involved with my case? Do you have a strong relationship with those individuals?
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Slide 13: 12. Have you recently had a jury returned a
verdict of “NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES” on a DUI/DWI case that you have personally tried?
The only acceptable answer in this case is, YES. You need to have someone with experience in defending your rights to the fullest degree.
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Slide 14: 13. Have you ever been
disciplined by the State Bar?
Attorneys with a disciplinary record with their State Bar are not acceptable. There are plenty of qualified attorneys to help you defend your case without this history.
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Slide 15: 14. Do you provide a written agreement that
documents all potential fees?
This is of critical importance when considering you DWI defense. Some attorneys charge by the hour and some charge with a flat fee which includes all expenses.
Other expenses that may be a part of your case include:
• General expenses: such as independent blood analysis, service of subpoenas, expert witness fees, and other such evidence might be extra • Any costs that come with the administrative license suspension procedures • If the offense is a misdemeanor or felony this can affect the charges • Trials and appeals can include an extra charge. • If you have been convicted of previous crimes, the additional procedures involved in taking care of any possible additional charges may be additional costs.
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Slide 16: 15. Is there any reason you shouldn’t work on
my case?
It is important to have 100% commitment from your El Paso DWI Lawyer when facing criminal charges. Look your attorney in the eye and make sure you get his/her word before you make a decision on whether or not to hire them. Before you leave the office you must be very comfortable with not only the team, but also the communication style and frequency of your team as it relates to your defense. Facing DUI/DWI charges is a stressful time for anyone. Having a clear cut communication plan will help to lessen some of the stresses involved.
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Slide 17: For more useful advice on how to protect yourself when facing DWI charges in EL Paso:
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You can get your FREE DWI | DUI Guide eBook here.
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