5 Tips on Hiring a Seattle DUI Attorney

Get advice on choosing a DUI lawyer in Seattle to represent you.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime with life-altering consequences. A Washington State DUI charge can have a significant impact on your future, with penalties ranging from license suspension to jail time.

Hiring an experienced Seattle DUI attorney is always beneficial because an attorney can help you navigate the complex DUI court process. Working with a lawyer is particularly important if you are a repeat offender. When hiring a DUI lawyer in Seattle, keep the following 5 tips in mind.

1.Look for a lawyer with relevant experience

Find a Seattle DUI attorney who focuses on defending DUI/DWI cases and who has actual courtroom experience. Interview potential lawyers, asking them how many DUI cases they have successfully litigated and what percentage of their practice is based on DUI cases. If you have friends or family members who have hired a DUI lawyer in the past or acquaintances who work in the legal system, ask them to refer you to qualified DUI attorneys.

2.Schedule in-person consultations with potential DUI attorneys

Don’t hire a DUI lawyer in Seattle over the phone. Meet potential lawyers in person for consultations so you can get to know them better and ask them questions. Most DUI attorneys will offer a free consultation to discuss your case and how they would approach it. It’s important to choose an attorney you feel comfortable with because you will have to be open about the details of your DUI case in order to receive effective representation.

3.Select a lawyer with local knowledge

The DUI lawyer you hire should have extensive knowledge and experience with local courts. Therefore, if your case is in King County, you should hire a King County DUI attorney, preferably one who is familiar with the judges and prosecutors on your case.

4.Beware of big promises

Be wary of a DUI lawyer who promises you the moon because more likely than not, he or she will fail to deliver. A good DUI lawyer in Seattle will be honest about your chances. Avoid hiring a lawyer who just tells you what you want to hear and doesn’t realistically assess the possibilities of your case.

5.Get it in writing

Insist on having a written agreement that addresses not only how much you have to pay upfront, but also how much the case will cost you throughout its resolution. The agreement should be written in clear, direct language. You should receive and sign the written agreement before you enter into a professional relationship with a Seattle criminal defense lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Seattle DUI Attorneys

You are putting your driver’s license and future into the hands of the Seattle DUI attorney you hire. At Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, we are confident in our ability to effectively defend those who have been charged with a DUI in Washington State. As former prosecutors, we understand both sides of the case and will work hard to achieve the best possible solution. We are proud to serve clients throughout the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue and Kirkland. Please contact us now to get a free case review.