Most of us will never need the help of a DUI attorney in Seattle, however, for those that do, it’s important that you hire the best possible representation for your case.  Hiring a DUI attorney is very different than hiring one to handle your will, a large estate or divorce proceedings, as a negative DUI outcome can have disastrous effects on your life and your freedom that can take years to overcome.  That’s why you should always ask some key questions before hiring a DUI attorney, questions designed to help you learn more about their experience, their intelligence and their dedication to helping clients win their cases.
One of the first things you should ask a DUI attorney is how much experience they have with DUI cases.  When it comes to your freedom and your financial future, you really don’t want to mess with someone that doesn’t specialize in DUI cases or who doesn’t have the experience or proven track record of successful cases.  While everyone deserve a chance when they are just starting out in their career, you should never put your case at risk by hiring on someone that just doesn’t have the expertise needed to handle the tricky details of your case.

A second thing to ask a potential DUI lawyer about is regarding the strength of your case.  During an initial consultation with a lawyer, you’ll often be asked about the details of your case, including where you were, what you were doing, where you were driving to and other details that might be relevant.  The lawyer will need to know all of the information in order to make a determination regarding if you have a case or not, so don’t be shy about sharing the big details.  The attorney must keep all of the information you discuss confidential, even if you don’t hire them.

A third and equally important question to ask is how much the services will cost.  Many DUI attorneys work on a flat fee basis, while others charge an hourly rate.  You may also be able to work out a payment plan or reduced rates if you can’t afford them, so always ask about your options before making the final selection.