Every state has its unique laws regarding driving after having alcohol or taking drugs. In some places, you’ll be charged with a DUI, or driving under the influence. In other places, it’s called a DWI, or driving while intoxicated or sometimes driving while under the influence. In yet other places, you’ll be thinking of questions to ask your DUII lawyer, and here DUII stands for “driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
Some of the strange differences in terminology reflect various governments’ attempts to deal with the fact that alcohol is no longer the only substance that can impair driving. There are plenty of liquors, drugs, and inhalants that can impair driving. There are even legal drugs that can seriously impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Things can get complicated, and that means you should know what questions to ask your DUII lawyer.
Questions to Ask Your DUII Lawyer
If you find yourself facing a possible charge, there are some questions to ask your DUII lawyer. THey include:
- How many years have you practiced law, and how much of it has been with DUII?
- How many cases did you win last year? (And how many did you defend?)
- Do you have dedicated staff to help with these cases?
- How much will you charge, and how do you calculate fees? What’s not included in your fees?
- Do you have any payment plans available?
- How hard or easy will it be for me to get in touch with you about my case?
Do I Really Need an Attorney?
You definitely need to consider hiring a lawyer. A DUII can be very complex, and the deck is stacked against you. The people bringing criminal allegations against you do this every day. They know the law in and out and they know just what to say, or not say, to get what they want. You need someone on your side who is just as familiar with the law and who can help you understand all your options.
Even if you think you can’t afford a lawyer, you should still at least set up an appointment to talk over questions to ask your DUII lawyer. You need to understand your position and how serious the situation is or you could find yourself in far more serious financial trouble than just trying to pay a lawyer.
What Should I Do If I’m Charged?
If you are charged with a DUII, the first thing you should do is be careful to hold on to any papers or tickets you were given. You might need these later to defend yourself in court. It’s also important that you become passionate about defending yourself. It’s easy to think that it’s not that serious, but your best chance will come from moving quickly.
A DUII is a serious charge. It can be life-altering in its consequences, so if you are charged, make sure you meet with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options.