A DUI conviction comes with serious consequences. Depending on your previous record, the alleged level of intoxication, and the circumstances, such as if an accident occurred, you face a number of life-altering penalties, including fines in the thousands of dollars, license suspension/revocation, hefty license reinstatement fees, ignition interlock system requirements with fees, a permanent criminal record, and incarceration, ranging from days to many years.

Hiring a strong DUI defense attorney is your best chance of staying out of jail, keeping your driver’s license, and reducing fines and fees to a level that keeps you out of debt. In some cases, your case may be dismissed. In others, a plea deal will prevent incarceration, a felony conviction, or other dire consequences.

Choosing the right attorney is important. You will need to obtain counsel within about a week after an arrest, so it is important to not delay. What should you consider when choosing a DUI defense attorney in Arizona? Here are the seven top considerations.

What Is the Attorney’s Consultation Process?

Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This is fairly standard for criminal defense attorneys, though some may charge a small fee.

The initial consultation allows the attorney to gain an understanding of your case, determine the possible outcomes and recommend an initial strategy. For instance, in a case where the state has strong evidence and the defendant is a first-time offender, plea bargaining to a misdemeanor with lower fines, no jail time, and no loss of license may be the best outcome. In another case, the state may have weak evidence and the defendant was not impaired, in which case challenging the state’s evidence in court may be the winning strategy.

Usually, defendants feel better after consulting a lawyer and hiring an experienced advocate. The consultation has allowed them to understand the process and what may happen next. A strong criminal defense attorney won’t allow the state or courts to throw the book at their clients.

Do they have Testimonials and References?

Testimonials and references are excellent criteria to base your choice of an attorney. If you know anyone who can recommend a DUI defense lawyer, that is a great place to start. If not, you can research DUI lawyers online and read testimonials from clients and colleagues.

Many law firms also publish the results of their cases on their websites. For instance, they will disclose their rates of success at trial and in making deals that result in reduced charges.

If the attorney has experience working DUI cases, they will certainly advertise the fact. DUI is the #1 most common criminal charge in Arizona, so finding a defense attorney with lots of DUI experience should be easy. The question is which lawyer or firm is right for you?

Is the Attorney Plugged-in Locally?

Some lawyers advertise nationwide, but that’s exactly what you do not want in an Arizona DUI case. Arizona has its own set of laws that differ from many other states. Particularly, Arizona has very steep fines and fees for DUI defendants. The max fines and fees are unaffordable for most people, so you need a lawyer who understands Arizona DUI law very well and can minimize the financial burdens you face.

A local attorney is also plugged in at the courthouse. He or she knows the prosecutors and the judges and understands their ideological viewpoints and the practical considerations they face. This makes a local attorney adept at knowing when and whom to approach with certain plea bargain offers. For instance, one judge may be disposed to refuse to reduce charges for e

Who Will Handle Your Case?

Large law firms employ many paralegals, assistants, and other staff members to handle their heavy caseloads. When this is the case, the DUI lawyer you hire may not handle the brunt of your case.

When dealing with a large firm, it’s wise to ask how the firm handles court appearances and other work. You want to know that your case will receive the most attention.

If you feel the big firms won’t provide the representation you need, you may want to try a smaller firm, where the lawyer is likely to always be the same one throughout the process and handle more aspects of your case personally.

Have They Ever Faced Discipline from the Bar Association?

Before hiring a lawyer, checking their disciplinary record is a good idea. You need an advocate with a good reputation who is respected by the prosecution and judges. By checking with the American Bar Association, you can find help in identifying local attorneys in good standing.

How Does the Attorney Communicate?

Communication style is important, and not just in the courtroom. When you speak with the lawyer, do you feel comfortable while communicating with them? It is important that the attorney makes you feel comfortable. You may have to open up about an embarrassing chain of events, so you want an attorney you feel comfortable with. An attorney with a poor bedside manner may not give you the representation you deserve.

What Is Their Billing Process?

The last thing you want to do is pick a lawyer based on price. If the price is low, that may indicate a lawyer who wants to plea bargain cases quickly and collect the fee. While most DUI cases end in a plea, an early plea may be against your interest. It may be better to hold out for a better opportunity to strike a bargain.

In addition, if you have a strong trial case, you want an attorney that the prosecution fears will take the case to trial and win. They are then disposed to agree to reduced and dropped charges. Also, if you do go to trial, you want a lawyer you are confident will put their all into winning your case.

However, it is still important to understand the fee structure and potential financial obligations you may face. The attorney should be able to walk you through the fees and let you know what to expect. Some offer payment plans, which may be important if you are not a wealthy person but are facing a potentially protracted legal battle.

Though the legal fees may seem like a lot, remember that Arizona imposes fines and fees that can reach near $10,000 for a single DUI conviction. These include fines, ignition interlock fees, and fees to get your license back. A strong DUI advocate who obtains a good outcome can often get these fines and fees reduced or eliminated, so the legal fees pay for themselves.

Arizona DUI Defense Lawyers

Each DUI defense is tailored to a different goal. In some cases, avoiding incarceration or a felony is the main consideration. In other cases, a reduction in fines and incarceration is most important. Other times, getting the case dismissed or achieving an acquittal is the appropriate objective.

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, he or she will be able to help determine the aim of your defense. By choosing a local Arizona DUI defense attorney with a strong DUI defense background, you give yourself the best possible chance of a positive case outcome.