Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a very severe crime in most jurisdictions. It’s also a serious concerned for bar owners and operators of dance halls like ours, that serve drinks to their beloved patrons. When you’re convicted with this crime, your life, job, and freedom are at stake. There’re many potential consequences for drunk driving. The Texas Department of Public Safety and legislators in Austin determines the penalties. In some cases, the Harris County criminal court in Houston, TX might also assign additional penalties. For example, increased insurance premiums, loss of job, your driver’s license might be suspended for two years; you can be put on probation, fines, be forced to attend and complete an alcohol education class or even go to jail.
In such a situation, you’ll need a defense lawyer to fight for your rights. Choosing a quality Houston DWI lawyer is a complicated task and especially for someone who has never been through a DWI process before. The process becomes even more difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for in the defense attorney. However, keeping the following aspects in mind could make the entire process easier.
The Houston DWI Lawyer’s Experience
When handling DWI cases, the experience of the lawyer is vital. Yes, there are many talented defense lawyers in every state. However, not all of them deal with DWI cases regularly. As the client, you need to know the period the lawyer has been in the industry and how many DWI cases they have successfully handled. If they have been in the industry for more than five years, it means that the person has acquired all the skills needed in and out of the courtroom. Therefore, ensure that the defense attorney you’re looking forward to hiring has handled several DWI cases in front of the judge in the same court your case will be dealt with (an environment they are familiar with).
Specialized Training for Fighting Drunk Driving Cases
Specialization is an important factor when choosing defense lawyers in DWI cases. Some lawyers deal with routine defense cases while others operate in a specific area of criminal defense such as theft, driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), domestic or violent crimes. It’s important to hire a lawyer who has specialized with your specific charges since they might be more experienced in that area of criminal defense.
Cutting-Edge DWI Attorneys Make A Difference
It’s correct to say that DWI law is one of the most complex areas in the law industry. This’s because DWI laws keep changing and evolving day after day based on the opinion of the courts. Therefore, it’s essential for you to choose a lawyer who’s familiar with the current state of the laws that concern your case. The best DWI lawyer is the one who is able to use the law, science and also a careful examination of all the witnesses to protect your constitutional rights.
The Reputation of the Attorney Matters
Make Sure They’re Respected and Peer Reviewed
When talking about DWI lawyers, reputation is key. It takes years to build your reputation. Some lawyers are well known to handle high-profile and complex cases while others aren’t reliable. To get more information about the image of The Houston DWI Lawyer you’re thinking of retaining, you can consider checking the customer reviews from their websites, talking to present and previous customers and also researching publications.
Legal Fees & Texas DUI Attorneys
There’s Always a Price to Pay. Pay The Best Lawyer!
There a lot of costs that is involved in handling a Houston DWI case. Different Texas DWI lawyers charge different rates depending on their experience and qualifications, the length of the case and the strength of the evidence against you. Some defense lawyers charge on an hourly basis while others ask for a fixed rate. When you meet with the lawyer, ensure that you have talked about the fees they charge and their mode of payment. However, the price should be combined with other factors such as experience and skills. Just because a lawyer charges high rates doesn’t guarantee quality services and vice versa.
Drunk driving is a grave crime that’s prosecuted as such in Houston, TX. The only way of beating a DWI case in Houston is finding a qualified defense lawyer. Remember that the type of lawyer that you hire makes the difference between losing and winning the case. After choosing your lawyer, ensure that you meet with them face to face. It’s very risky hiring an attorney or discussing your case over the phone. Remember that if you meet with them physically, it will be easier to put all that they have promised in writing. You’ll also determine whether you’re comfortable working with them or not. Take your time and avoid any pressure to ensure that you make an informed decision.