5 Things to Look for When Hiring a DUI Attorney in Macomb County

 DUI, or driving under the influence, is a serious criminal offense. Depending on the frequency of DUI convictions, the offense can be defined as a misdemeanor or a felony. Usually, the first and second convictions are considered misdemeanors. Whereas the charges can be elevated to a felony if a person’s been charged for the same crime more than twice.

Even a single DUI charge can turn your life upside down. You could be facing heavy penalties, perhaps even jail time. Your best bet against a DUI conviction is an experienced attorney in Macomb County, MI. The best DUI lawyers can do a lot more than just reduce the charges brought up against you.

The quality of legal representation you get can significantly impact the success of your case. Therefore, it is important to know what factors to consider when you are out searching for a DUI lawyer in Michigan. 

We want to shed light on these factors in this article today. From experience to track record and overall cost of representation, each of these factors can serve as effective qualifying parameters to help you find your ideal DUI attorney.

Experience

A DUI attorney with extensive experience representing clients in DUI cases is the best chance you have of yielding a favorable outcome in court. You want a lawyer who’s privy to the DUI laws and regulations specific to your state. You also want this lawyer to know his way around the Michigan legal system. A DUI attorney should have at least more than 3 years of extensive experience in the field.

A seasoned DUI attorney will use his/her years of expertise and knowledge to defend clients in criminal cases effectively and administrative hearings brought in front of the Driver’s Assessment and Appeal Division at the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. You, too, will have peace of mind knowing you have an experienced DUI lawyer representing you in court.

You can refer to a law firm, an attorney’s website, or social media pages to learn about a lawyer’s experience. You can also directly call and ask the attorney themselves for proof of experience.

Specialization

It is important to understand that DUI can be categorized as a criminal offense. So in your quest for a good DUI attorney, you may find criminal defense lawyers specializing in various other areas like drug offenses, white-collar crimes, assault, etc. However, the best chance you have at winning a DUI case is with a lawyer that exclusively specializes in DUI.  For instance, at the offices of Coppins Law Group, we are home to a DUI attorney in Macomb County with specialized expertise. So you know you are in the right hands with us by your side.

You can count on these attorneys to understand a DUI case better than anyone else. They can use their extensive knowledge on this topic to craft a defense strategy that protects you from a wide range of benign and severe consequences associated with a DUI conviction. They’ll protect your driving privileges and ensure your criminal record stays clean.

You’ll know whether an attorney specializes in DUI by referring to their website, calling them, or researching their track record.

Track Record

Simply, experience and specialization aren’t enough. This is why we recommend researching a little bit in order to unearth the lawyer’s track record. You want your lawyer to have a long positive track record of representing clients in DUI cases. For instance, the Macomb County DUI Attorneys at the offices of Coppins Law Group possess a positive track record of defending clients in DUI and OWI cases.

The first way to do this is by referring to the online reviews and testimonials left behind by clients.

Many positive reviews can serve as a sign that the lawyer is good at their job. Some law firms post their accomplishments on their website. Perhaps you can go through their real case results. A long list of ‘Dismissed’ cases and ‘Not Guilty’ verdicts is all you need to determine an attorney’s goodwill.

If you can’t find this information online, then feel free to call the attorneys and ask them to provide you with a record of their past cases. You can also refer to news publications. Moreover, an attorney’s record of disciplinary action is openly available to the public. You can also refer to that to find out whether they possess a decent ethics record.

Communication

Being able to communicate clearly plays a huge part in your legal defense. Your lawyer will be tasked with comprehensively putting forth your arguments before the prosecution and judge. They’ll mediate and negotiate on your behalf. So obviously, you’d want them to be eloquent and concise with their communication skills.

They should effortlessly understand the jargon that most legal documentation contains. Besides speaking, you also want these lawyers to be good listeners. They should be capable of coming up with a careful response based on witness statements and whatever’s been said against you in court.

When consulting you, you want a lawyer that explains your rights, options, and legal situation in clear, precise terms. They should be polite and compassionate in their tone when addressing your queries. At the same time, they should be aggressive and cerebral when making arguments in your defense. Excellent and clear communication is something that DUI attorneys in Macomb County at Coppins Law Group take immense pride in.

Cost

Fees are perhaps the first thing you must be clear about before hiring a DUI lawyer. Now the fees of a DUI lawyer will vary from state to state. Ensure your lawyer gives you a good faith and clear estimate of your expected pay. You may be expected to pay some amount up front as a retainer.

Typically, lawyers in the USA charge on an hourly basis for their services. If you aren’t satisfied with the initial quote, we suggest you negotiate without hesitation. Be sure to ask about any additional fees you might have to pay. Although price is important, it will be in your best interest not to determine who will represent you based on cost alone.

Some of the best Michigan DUI defense lawyers charge a bit more for their services. However, your price is mostly worth it if it means reducing or avoiding legal persecution altogether.

Conclusion

Whether or not you have a good day in court depends on your chosen attorney. We recommend weighing the above parameters together to find a DUI attorney in Macomb Country that best fits you. You’d want a lawyer by your side that’s; 

• Highly Experienced
• Enjoys a high success rate and a good ethics record
• Possesses excellent communication skills
• Has extensive DUI knowledge and training, 
• Transparent when it comes to their fees.

You’ll find these qualities in the DUI lawyers at Coppins Law Group. Call us now to schedule a free initial consultation.