Joe Suhre | March 31, 2017 | OVI Defense
It’s not uncommon for our attorneys to be asked if we’re the best DUI lawyers in Cincinnati. While we certainly don’t lay claim to that title – we do strive to do our very best for each client. There are many factors to consider when looking for an attorney who will represent you in an effective and thoughtful manner.
What characteristics should you be looking for in a DUI lawyer?
Here are a few of the characteristics of a great DUI lawyer and ones that you should look for when deciding who is the best attorney to represent you or your family member.
| Characteristics | What you should be looking for in your DUI lawyer |
|---|---|
| Accessible | An attorney that doesn’t return calls or is non-responsive to email questions isn’t going to be an effective communicator with you about your case. |
| Prompt | We hear stories of attorneys who are late to meetings or court on a regular basis. Sometimes this isn’t the lawyer’s fault – court hearings run long or judges aren’t in the courtroom in time, but the client needs to be informed of this and preferably told in advance if a court has a history of running late. |
| Knowledgeable | DUI law is complicated. There is a lot of science, legal issues, police training protocols, and BMV regulations in a DUI case. An attorney has to be proficient in all of those areas to be an effective advocate for their client. |
| Respected | Many times cases are resolved no only on the merits of the particular client’s situation but also on the reputation of the attorney. Lawyers who don’t regularly fight DUI cases or who are known to want to quickly plea their clients out aren’t going to be able to get the great results in the marginal cases. Prosecutors know who will fight and who will not fight. |
| Organized | Being organized may not seem like an important attribute for a DUI lawyer, but it is. Having the proper motions readily available, the evidence identified and laid out for quick access, and legal research at hand are all important aspects of a good DUI lawyer and often what separates the very good from the best. |
| Sympathetic | This may not seem like an important attribute in an attorney – but it is. The process of being arrested and going to court is stressful. Having an attorney who can appreciate that will make him or her give the client that extra amount of attention that is needed to get a better result and to have the client be more at ease. |
| Experienced | There is a difference between 20 years of experience and doing the same thing for 20 years. Be sure the attorney that represents you has experience litigating cases. Everyday we learn something new. Don’t think that just because an attorney has 10, 15, 20, or even 30 years under their belt that they’re not learning something new each day. |
How to find attorneys
Before choosing an attorney, you have to find one or more to talk with. There are lots of ways to get an attorneys name and phone number. Some of the more common ones are laid out below:
- Internet
- Google/Bing
- Directories
- Blog sites
- Referral from friend/family member
- Referral from trusted advisor (accountant, business lawyer)
- Telephone book
- Television/Radio
- Direct mailing
- Prior representation
Getting a referral for an attorney
If you have a referral for an attorney – you’re very likely to hire that attorney to represent you. Even though a family member referred you, it’s still important to make sure that you ask the attorney if they’re experience in DUI cases. You certainly don’t want a divorce lawyer to handle your DUI case and vice versa!
You need to speak with at least three attorneys
I always advocate speaking with at least three attorneys before making a decision on whom to hire. This doesn’t mean that you have to set up three different in office consultations – but you should at least talk to them on the phone. And run if they want to charge you a fee. An initial consultation can take anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on how complicated the case is. It’s common practice for attorneys in criminal cases to offer a free consultation.
Suhre & Associates offers a free initial consultation
At Suhre & Associates, LLC we always offer free initial consultations on all criminal law cases. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our lawyers either in the office or over the phone, please call us today to schedule your appointment.