Choosing the Right Lawyer

Houston DWI Attorneys - Choosing the Right Lawyer

If you have never been through the DWI process before, you are probably wondering how to choose a quality lawyer that will truly fight to protect your rights.  Additionally, not knowing what to look for in a DWI defense lawyer makes the task of finding the right lawyer extremely difficult.  Most people charged with a DWI in Texas want an attorney that is highly trained, experienced, and competent; a professional who can evaluate both factual and legal defenses to your DWI, compel the government to produce any reports, videos, or other evidence, and know how to attack the government’s case. 

Hiring a quality DWI criminal defense lawyer is probably the single most important decision you can make.  What attorney you hire to defend you can be the difference in winning and losing your case.  When your life, liberty, and job are at stake, you need the best DWI defense lawyer fighting for your rights.

Regardless of which criminal defense lawyer you hire, you should feel comfortable with your attorney.  Start your search by insuring that your lawyer is a DWI specialist – someone that devotes the vast majority of his/her practice to DWI defense.  Their constant experience with DWI cases makes tailored to your specific needs.  You certainly don’t want a lawyer that is unfamiliar with how to defend a DWI because he or she only handles a case like yours.  Find an attorney who focuses on DWI / DUI defense.

Additionally, you should look at the experience your DWI lawyer has both in and out of the courtroom.  Make sure your attorney spends a great deal of time in the court where your DWI case is pending and that he or she has handled many DWI cases in front of the judge in your court – you want a DWI attorney familiar with where your case's outcome is to be decided.  

DWI law is one of the most complex areas of law.  The laws are constantly evolving and changing with each opinion of our appellate courts.  Your DWI lawyer needs to be familiar with the current state of the DWI laws pertaining to your case.  A quality DWI lawyer has to use the law, science, and careful examination of the government’s witnesses to protect your Constitutional rights.

Just as importantly, get references.  For example, the DWI defense attorneys at Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. have represented clients referred by judges, other crimnial and civil lawyers, police officers and former clients.  These referrals speak for themselves – let a successful DWI defense lawyer assist you through your DWI experience.

Always meet your lawyer face to face to discuss your case.  Do not hire an attorney over the phone.  If an attorney promises you a result in your case or seems too good to be true, be cautious – have them put the guarantee in writing.   You should never feel pressured or bullied into hiring a lawyer to defend your DWI case.  Any attorney that demands that you hire him or her on the spot should be avoided.

Finally, hire the DWI defense lawyer you feel has the best credentials and who provides you with the most information about your DWI case.  Ask a lot of questions and demand answers – don’t let the lawyer side-step around what you need to know.  Your attorney should be able to provide you with extensive information and demonstrate his expertise in the DWI field.

Don’t hesitate to ask lawyers about their credentials – remember this is your license, your future, and your freedom.  You should ask your DWI defense attorney:

• How many DWI cases have you handled?
• How many DWI Jury Trials have you had in the past 12 months?
• What percentage of your practice is dedicated to DWI defense?
• Are you Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?
• Do you belong to the National College for DUI Defense?
• How long have you dedicated your practice to DWI defense?
• Do you have a reputation for going to trial or pleading DWI cases guilty?
• Do you have experience in investigating and litigating a DWI?
• Do you handle the ALR and Driver’s License Hearing yourself?
• Who will be in court with me – a partner or an associate?
• Am I eligible to receive an occupational license if my license is suspended?
• What are the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests in a DWI case?
• Have you received training in the proper administration of the Field Sobriety Tests?
• Are you trained and qualified on the proper use of the CMI Intoxilyzer 5000?
• Do you own an Intoxilyzer 5000?
• What Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses have you attended in the past year? 
• Do you attend updates for the Intoxilyzer 5000?
• How many officers have you cross-examined in a DWI jury trial?
• What will the cost be for a quality DWI defense lawyer?

Your lawyer should be able to readily answer any and all questions about your DWI.  If you sense hesitation on the part of the attorney you are interviewing, that attorney probably does not devote the majority of his/her practice to defending DWI / DUI cases.

Take charge of your future - choose the DWI attorney you trust to protect you!

713-222-0400
1-877-THE-DWI-FIRM (843-3943)
 

Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C.
The Republic Building
1018 Preston, 4th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Contact Houston DWI Attorneys Johnson, Johnson & Baer today!