If you have been accused of driving under the influence, you face stiff consequences in the days ahead. Penalties for a Massachusetts DUI offense can be everything probation to mandatory jail time. Job hunting with a DUI can be difficult, too, especially if you have a felony DUI conviction. One of the best ways to protect your right to drive and your future is to hire a DUI attorney who can help you fight your charges.
Are you searching for a lawyer for DUI near me on Cape Cod? The right DUI defense attorney is an essential part of the process ahead. Here’s how you can find one.
Step 1. Get Referrals
If you know people who have successfully fought DUI charges and won, then get referrals from them for DUI defense attorneys. This is the best way to find attorneys with a solid track record that you can trust. If you don’t have friends who have had DUI cases, but you do know attorneys in another field, you can also ask them for referrals.
Step 2. Check Their Qualifications
Before hiring a lawyer, you need to know that they're licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and have experience specifically in the Cape Cod area. A degree from an accredited law school and an active license are non-negotiable. You’ll also want to check for a clean ethical record. Choose an attorney that has no disciplinary actions against them. You can find this information on the Massachusetts state bar association website. Finally, ask about awards that the attorney has.
Step 3. Look at Reviews
Check out the attorney's reviews on Avvo, Google, Yelp and similar sites. While an occasional negative review is not necessarily an indication of a poor-quality Massachusetts DUI lawyer, if you see a pattern of negative reviews, look for a different attorney. The attorney you hire should have a reputation for working hard for their clients and getting good results.
Step 4: Have a Consultation
Most attorneys will offer a free or low-cost consultation to discuss case details with potential clients. While you won’t get legal advice at this appointment until you’ve retained an attorney, you will be able to outline the details of your case and learn if your attorney thinks you have grounds to stand on to build a case. Use this consultation to ask some questions and to find a DUI attorney that is confident they can help you successfully build a DUI defense.
Step 5: Ask the Right Questions
If a lawyer comes highly recommended and has the right basic qualifications, then you are ready to bring a list of questions. Some questions that can help you weed out your options include:
- Do you practice just DUI, or do you have other practice areas?
- How many DUI cases have you handled in the last year?
- Do you have a good record of DUI cases that have been dismissed?
- Do you have experience with felony DUI/multiple offense DUI cases /any other special situation around your case?
The answers to these questions will give you better insight as to if the attorney will fit your needs well or not.
Step 6: Look for Specialization
Some attorneys who work with DUI cases are criminal defense attorneys who do DUI in addition to other types of criminal cases. DUI law is a complex area of the law with many potential ways to get a case dismissed and push for a not-guilty verdict. You will be best served by finding a DUI lawyer near you who practices solely DUI law.
Schedule a Consultation with a Skilled Cape Cod DUI Defense Attorney
Hiring a DUI lawyer is worth the cost. The penalties are simply too high to leave yourself unprotected. If you go through these six steps, you will find a Cape Cod DUI attorney who offers quality skills and effective results.
In your search for a lawyer for DUI near me on Cape Cod, check out Attorney Joe Higgins. Practicing entirely DUI defense, Attorney Joe Higgins will do what needs to be done to give you the best shot of winning. He has a solid reputation as a successful DUI defense lawyer, with many “not guilty” verdicts to his name. Contact Attorney Joe Higgins to set up a consultation in the Cape Cod area, and start building your defense today.
