Monthly Archives - October 2011

Cost and Fees when Hiring San Diego DUI Lawyer Law

Vehicle laws in America are very strict that conviction of any violation against a law will result to large fines and lengthy sentences in jail and every state follows this universal penal system for such violations. Cost of Hiring San Diego DUI lawyer Getting legal services especially in defending yourself from a violation of DUI law can be expensive but it's the only way to prevent you from paying much more once you get convicted.  Moreover, being penalized under DUI laws may ruin your credentials if you are applying for promotion or seeking a job.  There are many factors that affect the San Diego DUI lawyer cost.  It includes the skills and proficiency of the lawyer and the filing fees. Factors that Affect Cost of DUI Legal Services Before hiring any DUI lawyers to handle your particular case, there are things you need to consider primarily the lawyer's fee and the overall costs of the DUI process. You need to remember, attorney's fee is proportional to the experience and standing of the reputed lawyer. And likewise, your geographical location can also affect the fees. You can simplify it this way, the higher the experience and reputation and the larger the city the higher DUI cost you will likely be facing. Another factor that affects your San Diego DUI lawyer cost is the seriousness of the offense you committed and if you have been convicted to similar cases or any other cases. The lawyer may ask either a fixed DUI fee, inclusive of all the costs of the DUI process, or a retainer fee then charge you on hourly basis. Retainer fee is the flat rate a lawyer may charge for his services regardless of the length of the whole litigation process. When paying for a fixed fee, make sure that it includes all the fees for the whole DUI process, like the cost of blood sampling test, cost of subpoena, and other costs. You may want to clarify these and compare it with others before signing any contract with the lawyer. However, your DUI lawyer's fee should not be your only concern, you need to make sure that you're comfortable working with San Diego DUI Lawyer and that they listen and address your needs and concerns with utmost care. You don't want to be hiring and spending a lot of cash for a lawyer who cannot competently handle your case.

How to Find an Experienced San Diego DUI Lawyer Law Firm

It's a Saturday. You went out with friends and had a little fun at the bar. You had a great time and while on your way home an officer stops you, he informs you that your car was veering that is why he stopped you and that a strong smell of alcohol is evident on your breath. He ask you a few more questions and he ask you to take a sobriety test, you hit 0.09% and you were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI. You'll probably need a San Diego DUI Law firm, to help you through with the pending court proceedings or the DUI Process. It's very easy to just open the phone directory and find a DUI law firm. However, it would be a great mistake on your part to hire lawyers by just picking in random. Try to make a list of names of lawyers or law firms handling DUI cases and that you think can competently handle your case in particular. There are a lot sources to find a DUI lawyer, you can search in the newspapers, internet, or your local phone book. Try to keep in mind that DUI attorneys are all the same and provide the same basic services. The key to find a qualified San Diego DUI lawyer law is asking the lawyers the right questions before hiring them. You read it right, you need to ask them questions, and try to evaluate their capacity to handle cases. Don't be intimidated. They are humans too, only that they are experts in DUI Law as you are an expert in your field. Ask questions. Here are a few points to help you find a DUI Law Firm: -Does he/she handle other areas of criminal law? Prioritize those lawyers who focus on DUI defense. -Does the overall quoted attorney's fee include your DMV hearing, expert's fee, blood analysis, allowances, and other fees? -Can he/she clear your DUI record? If the lawyer guarantees that she/he can, better find another one, no qualified attorney would make such claim. -Is he/she certified by American Bar Association and a member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers? -Request a written contract. When hiring a San Diego DUI Law Firm, it is important that you are comfortable with the lawyer and that he/she listens to your concerns. If during your visit you don't get that feeling, then it's time that you visit the lawyer next to your list, until you finally settle with the layer that fits your needs and preferences. Don't forget, finding the best DUI lawyer is the most crucial step in the DUI Process.