Working with a DUI lawyer will require your complete openness about your case, and knowing what information you will be expected to provide is a good way to prepare. Your DUI lawyer will need to ask you a series of questions to determine what the best course of action is. Here is a quick look at some of the questions you should be prepared to answer.
1. How much are you able to pay?
A DUI lawyer is there to help you, but they are also running a business. Before providing even a consultation about your case, they will likely settle the financial aspect of things first. Lawyers will ask you whether or not you can cover the consultation fees as well as legal fees that will accrue during the case.
2. What is your DUI history?
One of the most important things in a DUI case is if you have a history of arrests for drunk driving. This is because courts are less likely to allow repeat offenders to get off with no punishment. Additionally, it may be simpler for first-time offenders to simply plead guilty and take the punishments since first offenders will often receive lesser punishments. Your lawyer will need to know what your DUI history looks like so that they can properly examine your case and inform you of the best course of action.
3. What evidence is available against you?
DUI court cases are usually determined by what evidence is available that would prove whether or not you were impaired at the time of arrest. If your case rests solely on the testimony of the officer who arrested you then you may have a stronger case for pleading not-guilty. However, if you have one or more field sobriety tests submitted as evidence then you will have a harder time trying to come away with no punishment. The actions your lawyer takes will depend on what evidence is available.
4. What was your measured BAL at the time of arrest?
BAL, or Blood Alcohol Level, is a tool many states use to determine whether or not drivers are impaired from the consumption of alcohol. Most states set their legal limit at 0.08% BAL. However, different body types, as well as different sensitivities to alcohol, can mean that the measured BAL does not actually make you impaired. As long as your BAL was close to the legal limit, then you may be able to argue against the field sobriety test that measured your BAL as not being an accurate representation of impairment.
5. How do you feel about plea bargaining?
After reviewing the facts of your case, the DUI lawyer may ask you about the possibility of plea bargaining. If your lawyer does not feel that there is a chance of winning your case in court, they may instead attempt a bargain in which you would accept responsibility in order to receive a less severe punishment.
