Like other states, Texas takes driving while intoxicated seriously. If you were caught driving while impaired or with a high blood alcohol concentration, you can face stiff penalties. These penalties are both criminal and administrative. This means you could end up in jail, incur heavy fines and have your driver’s license taken away. You probably don’t want to handle a DWI case alone and you don’t have to. You need a good lawyer who is familiar with your jurisdiction. If you’re in Houston, Texas, you should hire a Houston DWI lawyer.
Some people question whether it is really necessary to get an attorney for a DWI charge. They think that their troubles will go away quickly if they just plead guilty. They underestimate the impact of a DWI charge because they don’t have an attorney to guide them. If they had legal advice, they would know that they could lose lots of money, their job, and their freedom.
The truth is that DWI case is too serious to handle on your own or based on anecdotes from your friends. You shouldn’t assume your case will go the same way as someone else’s. The only way to give yourself a real chance is to get professional help as soon as possible.
Naturally, you may not know how to choose a DWI lawyer. However, you shouldn’t necessarily choose the first attorney you speak to. A good lawyer will help you to understand the charges against you and explain the potential defenses. They will also go over your arrest information to see if there were any errors or legal breaches. To determine whether a Houston attorney is adequate, you need to ask some important questions.
Things to Ask DUI Attorneys in Houston Before Hiring One
You should ask any DUI lawyer about their background, special training, case history, and fees. Let’s look at some of the specific questions you should ask.
Background
It makes sense to hire a lawyer who has experience in fighting DWI charges. The more experience they have, the higher the likelihood of a positive outcome. Here are a few questions to ask:
- How long have you been representing people charged with DUIs?
- What proportion of your caseload is made up of DUIs?
- Do you normally practice law in Houston?
- How many DUI charges have you been able to get dismissed or reduced?
Special Training
Many DWI attorneys get specialized training or certification in DWI law. To find out about this you can ask:
- Do you have a certificate from The National College for DUI Defense or another state bar organization?
- Have you taken the NHSTA sobriety test courses?
- Have you ever gone on a DWI ride-along with police?
Fees
Fees are an important consideration for most clients. Make sure you ask the lawyer about how they will be billing you. Questions should include:
- Do you offer a free initial consultation?
- What is your standard rate?
- What are some of the extra fees I may have to pay?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
Outcome of Previous Cases
You’ll have more faith in an attorney who has successfully defended multiple people accused of DWIs. You should therefore ask:
- What percentage of your DUI cases go to trial?
- What do your clients say about you?
- How do you think you will be able to help me?
No DUI lawyer can guarantee that you will get a particular outcome. However, they can tell you the most likely result based on their experience and training. You should, therefore, ask about the best course of action for your particular case.
Contact a Houston DWI Lawyer Today for Help!
If you are facing DWI charges, you should reach out to Eddington & Worley as soon as possible. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be serious so you shouldn’t waste any time. Our experienced DWI lawyers have a track record of successfully defending DWI charges.
We stay up to date with the law and we work to get the best outcome for each client. If the charges are unfounded, we will bring the evidence to prove it and help you clear your name. If you are found guilty, we will go after a reduced sentence. All you need to do is contact us and share the details of your arrest. We will answer any questions you have and give you our expert opinion and sound advice. We at Eddington & Worley offer a free initial consultation so contact us today and let us put our skilled DWI attorney on the case.