15 Questions to Ask

before Hiring your Legal

El Paso DWI | DUI Help Guide

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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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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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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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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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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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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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8. Are you covered by legal malpractice
insurance?

This is mandatory coverage for all attorneys.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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