If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated, it is important to find a good OWI attorney as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and may be able to get your charges reduced or even dropped. In this blog post, we will provide tips on finding an OWI attorney who is right for you.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Crime
An OWI is a crime in many states in the U.S. that refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The acronym “OWI” stands for “operating while intoxicated.” In some states, this crime is also called “DUI,” which stands for “driving under the influence.”
To be convicted of an OWI, prosecutors must prove that you were operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs which is dangerous and can lead to an accident. This can be proven through field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or blood tests. If you are convicted of an OWI, you may face jail time, fines, and license suspension.
In addition to the criminal penalties, an OWI conviction can also lead to higher insurance rates, employment problems, and difficulties in obtaining loans.
Tips For Hiring An OWI Attorney
An OWI attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending clients who have been charged with driving while intoxicated. An OWI attorney will be familiar with the laws in your state and can help you understand your rights and options.
When looking for an OWI attorney, it is important to find someone who has experience handling cases like yours. You can ask friends or family members for referrals, or you can search online for lawyers who specialize in OWI defense. Once you have a few names, you can research each lawyer to see if they have the experience and qualifications you are looking for.
It is also important to choose an attorney who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. This is someone who will be representing you in court, so it is important that you feel confident in their ability to defend you.
Check Out Online Reviews Look For An Attorney Who Specializes In OWI Cases
One way to find a good OWI attorney is to check out online reviews. Look for reviews from past clients to get an idea of what others have thought of the lawyer’s services.
There are many different types of lawyers out there, but not all of them have experience with OWI cases. You want to find an attorney who has experience specifically with this type of case. This way, you can be sure that they know the ins and outs of the law and will be able to provide you with the best possible defense.
Come Up With a List of Potential Attorneys
Many OWI attorneys offer free initial consultations, so be sure to take advantage of this. During your consultation, be sure to ask about the lawyer’s experience, success rate, and fee structure. You should also ask about how the lawyer plans to defend you in court.
After you have met with all of the lawyers on your list, you should be able to narrow it down to one or two who you feel confident about. From there, you can make your final decision and begin working on your defense.
Determine Whether the Attorney is Qualified to Handle the Case
It is important to make sure that the attorney you choose is qualified to handle your case. First, you should check to see if the lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state. You can do this by contacting your state’s bar association.
Once you have confirmed that the lawyer is licensed, you should find out whether they have experience handling OWI cases. The best way to do this is to ask for references from past clients. If the lawyer does not have any references, or if the references are not favorable, you may want to consider another lawyer.
Check the Attorney’s Record
Another important factor to consider when choosing an OWI attorney is their success rate. You can find this information by doing a simple online search. If the lawyer has a lot of negative reviews, or if they have a low success rate, you may want to consider another option.
Don’t Wait to Hire an Attorney
If you have been charged with OWI, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more time they will have to build your defense. Waiting too long to hire an attorney could result in a conviction that could cost you your license, your job, and your freedom.
Consider the Attorney’s Fee Structure
When you are meeting with potential OWI attorneys, be sure to ask about their fee structure. Some lawyers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Some lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
You should also find out how much the lawyer charges for expenses. These can include things like court costs, expert witnesses, and investigators. Be sure to get all of this information in writing before you make your final decision.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from an OWI Attorney
If you have been charged with OWI, it is important to find an experienced attorney who can help you fight the charges. Some attorneys offer free case evaluations to help you understand your options.
Case Management
You should also find an attorney who offers case management. This means they will keep track of all the deadlines and paperwork associated with your case. This can be a valuable service, especially if you are facing a busy court schedule.
Schedule A Consultation
Once you’ve found a few potential attorneys, schedule a consultation with each one. This is your chance to ask questions and get to know the lawyer. Pay attention to how well they listen to your story and whether they seem truly invested in helping you.
Choosing the right OWI attorney is an important decision. Be sure to take your time and consider all of your options before making a final decision.
How Much Does An OWI Attorney Cost?
The cost of an OWI attorney varies depending on the lawyer’s experience, success rate, and the specifics of your case. You should get all of this information in writing before you make your final decision. When a client agrees to pay a set hourly rate, it may range from $200 to $500 per hour.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important to find an OWI attorney that has the experience, a success rate, and with who you feel comfortable. You should also make sure that the lawyer is licensed in your state and check their references. Additionally, you should ask about the fee structure and expenses. Finally, some attorneys offer free case evaluations which can help understand your options.
