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5 Things to Consider When Hiring a DUI Attorney

Posted On: March 3rd, 2016 by Bradley J. Groene

When you are arrested for a DUI, it’s important to recognize that you are already in trouble. By theme you are searching for a DUI attorney, you already face serious consequences if convicted, ranging from losing your license to serious jail time. Because of this threat, many people hiring a DUI lawyer think it is best to act as quickly as possible without worrying about the person they choose. After all, there are hundreds of DUI attorneys in Cincinnati, and they all have attended law school and passed the bar.

Unfortunately, hiring a DUI attorney is not so simple. Just because a Cincinnati DUI attorney has the basic qualifications to do the job doesn’t make them the best choice. In fact, choosing the wrong OVI lawyer is one of the main ways that defendants end up with unexpected or overly harsh outcomes from their DUI case. To make sure that doesn’t happen to to you, it’s vital that you pick the right OVI attorney—not simply the first one you find on Google. The following are five things to consider when hiring a Cincinnati DUI attorney, so you get the best person for your unique case.

  1. Do they have local area experience in OVI cases? Just because a person has tried many cases doesn’t mean that they have worked on cases similar to yours—and this is vital to a successful outcome. Different crimes are treated very differently, and different courts similarly treat identical DUI charges differently. It is important that your attorney not only has extensive experience specifically defending against DUI charges like yours, but also in the specific courts where your case will be tried. Otherwise, you risk missing out on a potential plea deal or offer that would greatly benefit your particular situation.

  2. Do they offer a free consultation? During a consultation, you are best able to assess the experience and working style of an attorney. This is where you will be able to discuss your specific case and get an honest assessment of your options. If you cannot get a free consultation, it’s worth asking why—and even what they may be hiding.

  3. Do you get to work directly with the attorney assigned to your case? I personally believe that all clients deserve direct access to me whenever they need during this difficult time, which is why I personally work with each of my DUI defendants one-on-one and give them my direct phone number. This is not so for all DUI attorneys. Some lawyers will hand the majority of a case off to a paralegal or leave you to deal with non-legal personnel except in court. This is often frustrating to clients who are not familiar with the legal system. Make sure that you have the access you personally need to your lawyer every step of the way.

  4. Can you afford the rates they charge on the payment plan they offer? While price is certainly not the most important consideration when finding a DUI lawyer, it is still important to find out before signing a representation agreement. Find out if your attorney offers flexible payment plans like we do here, and if your case requires a retainer. Getting a few quotes will help you see what offers are out there. Just remember, though, that the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best. It’s not worth sacrificing quality to save a few bucks. You may just be risking your freedom.

  5. Do you trust them? Ultimately, choosing the right OVI lawyer is an incredibly personal thing. You need to make sure that you trust them to deal with charges that can affect you for the rest of your life. Even the most qualified DUI attorney in the city is the wrong choice if you don’t feel comfortable with them. You need to make sure that you trust your lawyer entirely, so that you are best able to work together.

These five factors will allow you to ensure that you have the best DUI lawyer possible representing you throughout the entire criminal justice process.

Being arrested for a DUI in Ohio is a scary feeling. We know how overwhelming it can feel to have to choose the right attorney on top of everything else you are dealing with. That’s why the Cincinnati DUI attorneys at Luftman, Heck, and Associates are happy to offer a free consultation to all potential clients, during which we will honestly answer any questions you may have. With over a decade of experience focusing specifically on OVI and DUI cases, our DUI lawyers are prepared to handle any twist that may come up during your case. Call us at (513) 338-1890 today to set up your free consultation and find out if we can serve your needs.



★★★★★
Bradley Groene made an exceptionally difficult situation much easier to handle. He kept me informed of everything that was going to happen and got results for my case far better than I could have hoped for. I would highly recommend him for anyone who finds themselves in legal troubles.