If you have been arrested for driving under the influence
(DUI) your choice of legal representation can sometimes determine whether you
maintain your freedom and driving privileges.Courts take DUI charges very seriously so it is critical that you are
represented by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.John Musca, a criminal defense attorney who
handles DUI cases throughout Polk County and elsewhere in Florida, has provided
some guidelines when interviewing a potential attorney to handle your DUI case.
You should ask the lawyer about their experience handling
DUI cases.The ideal attorney will have
handled other cases similar to yours and will have extensive experience
handling DUI cases."You should be
cautious of an attorney who has not routinely handled DUI cases over a number
of years," said Musca.A good DUI
attorney also will have a good track record for the cases they take to
trial.
Sometimes an attorney will provide a free initial
consultation so that you can evaluate his experience.However, you should not exclude a potential
attorney solely because he does not provide such a consultation.The most qualified attorneys are sometimes the
most in demand, making a free consultation difficult.You can also ask around about the attorney's
reputation or read about the attorney on the internet.
Before you hire an attorney, you should make sure you
clearly understand his fee structure.The attorney should have written fee agreement, which clearly explains
the fee structure and how potential other costs associated with the case will
be handled.You should also ask the
attorney whether he will be handling the case personally.In many firms, cases may be passed to less
experienced attorneys once the firm has been retained.If another attorney at the firm will be
handling the case, you should also verify that the attorney who will actually
be handling the matter has appropriate experience handling DUI cases.
You should also ask the attorney about his policy in terms
of communicating with his clients and keeping them informed of developments in
the case."The most frequent complaint
made to state bar association's relative to attorneys is that the attorney did
not provide reasonable communication regarding the client's case," Musca
said.You should find out whether the
attorney will send you copies of all documents filed with the court as well as
any correspondence.Clients should also
ask the attorney about the firm's policy when it comes to returning client
telephone calls.How promptly are calls
returned?Does the attorney typically
return calls or is this done by a member of the attorney's staff?
The attorney may also recommend you enter an alcohol
treatment facility.If the attorney
suggests you do so, you should not be offended as courts may take such a step
into account in deciding the disposition or sentence in the case.
Musca Law provides experienced DUI and Criminal Defense
Attorneys who investigate exhaustively to build an effective case for their
clients.Do not plead guilty to any DUI
charge.You do not have to answer any
questions outside of your name and address.You do not have to be subjected to any form of sobriety testing from
breathalyzer to roadside tests. Simply be polite, provide accurate documents and
call a Polk County DUI attorney at Musca Law.
