If you or someone you know got charged with this type of case, here are some questions you need to ask when hiring a Syracuse DWI lawyer:
1. How long have you been handling DWI cases?
An attorney with years of experience in representing clients in court is likely to provide a better outcome for you. You can also ask about the previous cases they handled and how many times they won. The team at https://www.dwiguy.com has extensive knowledge and practice in managing DWI charges and believes in second chances for people who have had a momentary lapse of judgment.2. What certifications and training did you go through?
You must ask potential lawyers if they have undergone training and certification to become DWI specialists. This type of case is an entire field, with particular laws that should be familiar to your attorney. An excellent representative must have the proper knowledge and skills to prove to the judge and jury that you didn’t mean harm during the arrest.A vital program they should go through is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which trains them to run a Standardized Field Sobriety Test adequately. Typically, police officers conduct roadside assessments such as breathalyzers to gauge if you drank alcohol or took in drugs before driving. Knowing the proper standards for these exams can help your lawyer evaluate if law enforcement did the tests correctly.
3. What are your fees and payment terms?
It’s crucial that you know upfront how much you’re expected to pay and what payment setup the DWI attorney prefers. Often, lawyers will not charge you for the first consultation or initial meeting. For your other appointments, you should clarify if they expect you to pay per visitor and compensate them after the case has been solved.
These are the typical payment arrangements that lawyers employ:
- Contingency fees – This setup entails the lawyer paying a portion of the amount you receive as a resolution for your case. They won’t get much money if you lose, as you’ll only need to pay for court fees, copying, and the expert witnesses.
- Flat fees – The attorney sets a specific amount for your case with this arrangement. You need to know what services are included in the scope of the cost.
- Hourly rates – Some lawyers charge per hour. The final cost is based on how long the legal team completes the work for your case. These rates often vary depending on the attorney’s expertise and experience. Always inquire about a written estimate of the hours needed to finish your case.
- Retainer – A retainer refers to an upfront fee that you pay the lawyer before they start working on your case. You can consider it as a down payment for the projected expenses and other costs.
4. What do you recommend: a guilty plea or trial?
DWI is a serious matter, and the repercussions become considerable when you injure someone while you are operating the vehicle. Most people can get away with a compromise if they don’t have another charge against them. However, pleading guilty is drastically different when you are accused of involuntary manslaughter. In this case, a trial may be a more viable option.Here are some things you should know about DWI plea deals:
- It’s not mandatory – You are not required to accept the agreements that police officers may offer you. Always discuss your decisions with your attorney to ensure you take the best option.
- Be open-minded – While some become so scared of spending time in jail that they jump on any deal to avoid it, others balk at the implication of pleading. Accepting it does not necessarily mean that you’re admitting to your crime. Listen attentively to what’s being laid in front of you and be willing to compromise if your lawyer thinks that you’re getting an excellent deal.
- Watch what you say—Don’t get too excited at the thought of getting off the hook. You may not be able to guard your mouth and spill an incriminating fact regarding your case. Always watch your words, especially when talking to law enforcement.
