The Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A DUI Lawyer in Alabama

Being charged with DUI is a stressful situation, and hiring a DUI attorney can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. With so many different legal options from which to choose, how do you know who is actually going to qualify you to have your future defended?

At Crumbley-Blackwell & Associates, we have partnered with countless clients in Huntsville and the surrounding area to assist them with DUI charges. We also recognized the most frequent mistakes that individuals make when hiring legal representation. Accordingly, if you are searching for a DUI attorney, I would like to suggest five mistakes to avoid at all costs.

1. Choosing a General Practice Attorney in Place of a DUI Attorney
DUI law is very complicated and changes frequently. Alabama has very strict laws concerning alcohol related offenses. Effectively defending against a DUI charge requires a detailed understanding of legal procedure and scientific evidence (breath or blood tests). An attorney who specializes in everything from divorce to estate planning probably does not have the necessary courtroom experience or tactical knowledge when it comes to DUI defense.

Tip: Search for someone that routinely practices DUI law in your jurisdiction. Ask how many cases he/she has taken to court and what the results were.

2. Making the Decision Based Solely on the Costs of Representation
Cost is always a consideration when hiring an attorney; however,But the cheap option can cost you far more over the long term: fines, a suspended license, increased insurance rates, or even jail time. An underpriced attorney might be overworked, have limited experience, or simply not be motivated to provide you the best possible result.

Tip: Look for value. Not just price. A knowledgeable and experienced DUI attorney may preserve your record, your job, and your future.

3. Neglecting Local Knowledge
A DUI case in Huntsville is not the same as a DUI case in Mobile or Montgomery. Each court and judge has its own expectation, preference, and process. An attorney who is familiar with the local court, local prosecutors, and sometimes even the local officer making the arrest—will typically have a reasonable idea of how the case may proceed, and can develop a custom defense for you.

Tip: Ask if the attorney is familiar with the court your case will be heard in. Local experience matters.

4. Forgetting about Communication and Transparency
If your future is at risk, you need a lawyer who will keep you informed and be upfront with you. Some attorneys are impossible to reach after you hire them, or worse, hand you off to junior staff members with minimal explanation.

Tip: During your initial consultation observe how well the attorney listens to you, explains things and answers your questions. You need clear and honest communication.

5. Not Checking Reviews or Past Results
You would not hire a contractor or buy a car without reading some reviews, hiring a DUI attorney should be no different. Client reviews and case outcomes should give you an idea of the kind of experience and outcomes to expect.

Tip: Look for firms with consistent positive reviews and a history of successful DUI defense. Ask if they have handled cases similar to yours.

Conclusion: Hire a DUI Attorney Who Will Fight for You
The attorney you hire will be a major factor in the outcome of your case. Do not rush a decision or make an emotional choice. Take the time to ask the right questions and find an attorney with the experience, focus and local knowledge to fight for you.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Huntsville or North Alabama, the attorneys at Crumbley-Blackwell & Associates are ready to help you. We will conduct a confidential consultation and will bring decades of focused criminal defense experience to the table.

Call us today or contact us online for your free case evaluation.