1) Create a list of potential lawyers.
Search by area and/or specialization for lawyers that
are licensed in California, that specialize in DUI cases,
and are located and practice in the San Diego area.
2) Search the web for information about the lawyers
on your list.
Do a name search. Find their web pages. Get as much
information as possible.
3) Make a list of questions you want to ask each lawyer
that you plan to contact.
It’s your case and your life, so ask them everything
that you want to know. Consider questions like, Do you
specialize in DUI law? Who will handle my case? What
is your experience? May I have a resume of your qualifications?
Do you have a list of past clients I can contact for
references? How many DUI cases have you handled, and
what is your success rate? How do you plan to defend
me? What might happen to me? What are your fees and
costs? How much will I expect to pay in court costs?
What is your estimate of the total expenses I will pay?
4) Contact the lawyers on your list.
Ask your questions. Listen to their answers and offers.
If they don’t want to answer, you don’t want
them. Make notes to compare later.
5) Compare the lawyers.
Use all of the information you have gathered. Compare
them against each other. Find those that you think would
be the best fit for you. List your top two or three
choices and make appointments to see them.
6) Talk face-to-face with the lawyer.
Make sure it is the person who will actually be handling
your case if hired. Ask your questions again. Focus
on details of how they plan to defend you and the estimated
costs you will pay.
7) Compare again and make your choice.
Choose the one you feel will give you the best possible
defense with terms that meet your needs. Make an appointment.
Be sure you clearly understand the terms of the contract
agreement. Sign the papers and you’ve hired a lawyer!
John Montaque
