Facing charges for driving under the influence? Don’t know what to expect from your first meeting with a DUI attorney in Macomb County? If so, then this article is for you.
As a leading law firm in Macomb County, here at the offices of Coppins Law Group, we’ve helped many of our clients deal with severe DUI charges. Most of the folks who come to us for help are overwhelmed by the process. They are intimidated by the procedure of course and in a constant state of dread owing to the nature of such charges.
Our first job as their attorneys is to calm their nerves down. We are well aware that a DUI charge can seem like an uphill battle on the surface. The legal process and the consequences staring at you may seem daunting. This is why it is so crucial to immediately seek the assistance of a qualified DUI attorney.
Most people that come to our offices have no idea what to expect. As such, we would like to use this article to provide key insights into your first meeting with a DUI attorney.
So without much further ado, let’s get started.
1. The Introduction and Welcome
Your first meeting with a DUI attorney will mark a pivotal moment in your fight against DUI charges. At our office, we want to make our visitors feel as comfortable as they possibly can, given the circumstances. In most offices, you’ll be greeted by a friendly receptionist. This will be followed by the attorneys introducing themselves to you.
Here at Coppins Law Group, we create a comfortable environment that helps clients open up about their cases. Our attorneys approach visitors with compassion and empathy. As such, you can share key details about your case freely without any fear of judgment.
2. Going through the Case
Once the initial meet and greet is done, the attorney will proceed to take a comprehensive overview of your entire case. You should be prepared to discuss the nitty-gritty details surrounding your DUI arrest. The attorney will seek some clarity around the circumstances that lead to your arrest. You’ll need to provide them with the date, time, location, and event that led up to the DUI arrest.
Being as thorough as possible is advised as this will help attorneys understand your situation better. With a clear grasp of your situation, they’ll be in a better position to craft legal strategies that work in your favor.
3. Performing Legal Assessment
Once the attorney has a better understanding of your case, they will proceed to perform a legal assessment. This assessment entails studying the evidence brought against you, evaluating police reports, going through the results of field sobriety tests, and assessing other important details around your arrest.
Your attorney will also study any prior DUI convictions that are on your record as well. This will give them a clear idea of how severe the consequences of your arrest can be and what would be the best course of action.
4. Explaining DUI Laws
If you are arrested in Macomb County, then you must prepare yourself by knowing DUI laws specific to the state of Michigan. During your initial consultation, the attorney will ensure you are familiar with these laws. They’ll educate you on the applicable statutes and the consequences awaiting you.
Here at the offices of Coppins Law Group, we make sure our clients understand Michigan’s legal framework surrounding DUI very well. This helps them make informed decisions. You can count on our attorney to explain the penalties you may face like the revocation of your license or fines and prepare you for it.
5. Exploring Potential Defenses
Let’s face it, a major reason why you are seeking out a lawyer is to defend yourself against DUI charges. The best DUI attorney can help you explore potential defenses related to your case. The attorney will study the evidence against you and try to find weaknesses in the charges brought against you by law enforcement officials.
Some common defenses that attorneys opt for include questioning the accuracy of a sobriety test or blood test results. They can even challenge the validity of a traffic stop. Depending on the severity of your case, you can expect the lawyers to explore different defense strategies that could mitigate the penalties you face.
6. Discussing Strategies
Besides exploring defenses, the attorney will also discuss legal strategies that could serve your best interests. According to our seasoned DUI attorney in Macomb County, this strategy could involve negotiating with the prosecution or building up an aggressive defense in court.
By informing you about all the strategies at your disposal, you are more likely to make a decision that works in your favor.
7. Asking Questions and Stating Concerns
Your initial meeting is the moment for you to ask as many questions as possible. Here at Coppins Law Group, no question is irrelevant. Our attorneys make it their mission to answer all questions and queries in an easy-to-understand manner. Here are some questions you can ask during your first meeting with a DUI attorney
- How long have you practiced law?
- What’s your trial experience?
- Do you only focus on DUI cases?
- What are your fees? Or how much does a DUI attorney cost?
- What penalties should I expect?
- What’s your success rate?
Getting an answer to these questions will ensure you have the right legal representation. Make sure the lawyer answers these and other pertinent questions in clear terms without using any legal jargon.
8. Discussing DUI Attorney Cost and Payment Plans
Finally, your initial meeting with the lawyer is also a great moment to get clarity on their fees and the payment structure they follow. Discuss their fee structure. There should be no uncertainty when it comes to DUI attorney fees. This includes discussion on hourly or fixed rates, retainers, and additional costs.
Some attorneys offer flexible payment plans to their clients to ease the financial burden on them. At Coppins Law Group, we are very transparent and upfront about our fee structure as all law firms should. We assure you there’ll be no surprises awaiting you concerning hidden charges once we’ve begun representing you.
9. Discussing Next Steps
Once you and the attorney are on the same page, the attorney will proceed to explain the next steps. These steps could entail anything from negotiation to litigation in court. They’ll give you hints of what to expect in the coming weeks and help you understand the timeline of your case from the moment it begins till the very end.
Conclusion
Your initial meeting with a DUI attorney in Macomb County will be important in determining how you are supposed to navigate the legal challenges ahead of you. Nobody will help gain clarity on the subject better than a seasoned DUI lawyer. Your initial meeting could give you the confidence you need to face the charges against you head-on.
At Coppins Law Group, we offer free initial consultations to our clients wherein we can discuss potential defenses, and legal strategies, and help you understand the legal process better. A DUI charge can be daunting but it isn’t something you have to face alone. You can count on our experienced DUI attorney to be by your side, providing you with the legal aid you need during such a stressful time.
Get in touch with us now to schedule a free meeting with our DUI attorney.