1) Create a list of potential DUI 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 Los Angeles area.
2) Search the web for information about the Los Angeles
lawyers on your list.
Do a name search. Find their web pages. Get as much
information as possible.
3) Make a list of questions.
It’s your case and your life, so ask them everything
you can think of. Consider questions like, Do you specialize
in DUI law? Who will handle my case? What is your experience?
May I have a copy of your qualifications? Do you have
a list of past clients I can contact? How many DUI cases
have you handled, and what's your success rate? How
would you defend me? What might happen to me? What are
your fees and costs? How much will I expect to pay in
court costs?
4) Contact all 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. Take notes so you can compare lawyers later.
5) Compare the lawyers.
Compare them against each other with the information
you've gathered. 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. Ask your questions again. Focus on details
of how they plan to defend you and the estimated costs.
7) Compare again and make your choice.
Choose the one you feel will give you the best possible
defense. Make an appointment. Be sure you clearly understand
the terms of the contract agreement. Sign the papers
and you’ve hired a Los Angeles lawyer!
John Montaque
