No one wants to be arrested, and if you are, especially for the first time, you can be very confused. Being arrested for Drunk Driving, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) - formerly Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) - in Michigan can be stressful and scary. Some of the consequences of being convicted, even a first offense of DUI or OWI for alcohol, marijuana, or any other intoxicant, are severe. Some of the possible sentences include fines, court costs, suspension of your license, jail time, and more.
The seriousness of the consequences for a DUI or OWI means having an experienced attorney to represent your rights is necessary. Finding the right lawyer who is knowledgeable and can give you helpful advice can be difficult.
Follow our guide below on some of the top qualities to look for in an attorney to represent you during your legal proceedings.
Relevant Experience
Experience presents a huge divide between those attorneys who can help you and those who can’t. Studying and defending clients who have been arrested with OWI and DUI charges will make a difference in your case. Understanding the legal process by having gone through it makes future cases go more smoothly.
Knowledge of OWI and DUI Legal Standings
Experience and legal knowledge tend to go hand-in-hand. There are many challenges your lawyer can make in your legal proceedings including during the arrest. An attorney with the important legal understanding will be able to tap into the Fourth Amendment, touching on search and seizure procedures, checkpoints, illegitimate breathalyzer use, and more.
Legal Record and Performance
Look to the wins to see what an attorney can win. There is something to be said for lawyers who defend “the undefendable.” However, a lawyer’s win record, especially of OWI or DUI cases, is telling for how your case will go. Look for the dismissal rates. Consider using the websites Avvo.com and Martindale.com to research a lawyer’s performance.
Ratings from Peers and Clients
Ratings can tell you the real story. Explore an attorney’s testimonial page or read their google reviews to get an idea about client’s experience working with them. Additionally, attorneys collaborate on many cases and projects. Check the links above for Avvo or Martindale to explore how attorneys rate each other. An attorney giving a high rating to a professional peer can say a lot about them.
Finding the Right OWI or DUI Lawyer to Defend Your Rights
There are many factors that go into making a good candidate for your OWI or DUI defense. Looking at their performance and ratings can help give you insight into how it will be to work with them. The attorneys at Aldrich Legal Services have been defending clients in Plymouth, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding areas for more than 21 years. We have helped our clients get the best results during their OWI and DUI legal proceedings. If you have been arrested with these or other criminal charges, give our team a call today.