When you’re charged with a DUI for the first time, you may not even know what type of lawyer you need to look for. Because a DUI is a criminal charge, your lawyer needs to practice criminal defense. However, within criminal defense, there are a variety of specialties. Some attorneys do general criminal defense, meaning they work with many different types of cases.
For a DUI, it’s advisable to look for a specialized DUI defense lawyer. DUIs have strict consequences, even for a first offense. If you’re convicted, it will never fall off your record. In Massachusetts, penalties like fines, license suspension terms, and possible jail time are all substantial. You don’t want to take any risks with your case. DUI defense attorneys will be better equipped to secure you a favorable outcome than just a general criminal defense lawyer would be.
Simply Googling “lawyers near me” won’t give you the results that you need to find a qualified DUI defense attorney. Google search results are influenced by a variety of factors which means that the lawyers who come up might not be the best options available to you. But if not on Google, where should you look for a lawyer? There are websites designed specifically to help people find lawyers. Searching those sites is a great way to find the right lawyer to represent you.
Avvo is an extensive online directory of lawyers with a robust search feature that allows users to search for exactly what they need. 97% of all licensed lawyers in all of the US are listed on Avvo, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on a better option. Each lawyer’s Avvo entry shows you all of the information you need to make an informed decision about who you want to represent you in your DUI case, including reviews, license status, practice area breakdown, and their Avvo rating.
Super Lawyers is a database of the top lawyers in the US. They have a rigorous nomination, vetting, and selection process that reviews experience, verdict records, awards, and nine other areas of consideration. Only 5% of lawyers are nominated to Super Lawyers, so when you browse their site, you know you’re only seeing the most qualified legal professionals in the field. Each attorney’s profile contains their contact information and personal details, their professional bio and credentials, and their practice areas.
Once you’ve reviewed the profiles of the DUI defense attorneys in your area, you’ll have a shortlist of lawyers you’re interested in working with. Contact their offices to see if they’re accepting new cases, find out how much they charge, and learn if they offer free consultations. From there, you can choose the lawyer who feels like the best fit for you and your first offense DUI case.
Attorney Higgins is a Massachusetts attorney with over a decade of experience specializing in DUI defense. He has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, a distinction awarded to only 2.5% of lawyers in the state, and has a perfect 10 Avvo rating. If you’re interested in working with one of Massachusetts top DUI defense lawyers, contact Attorney Higgins today.