If you’re arrested for DUI, you’re probably pretty stressed out because you don’t know how the process will work, how it’s going to impact you, your job, your finances, or your relationships with others. You face many decisions, and one of the most important is whether or not to hire an attorney. If you decide you do, you need to pick the right one for you and your case. How do you do that?
Kevin Churchill is a Denver, Colorado, criminal defense lawyer who handles criminal law, including representing those arrested for DUI. Since he limits his practice to criminal defense law, he can stay on top of changes in the law that others might overlook. He has handled hundreds of former DUI cases in Colorado. Call him today at (303) 832‑9000.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
You should hire an attorney for many reasons. Most importantly, if you try to defend yourself, you have no idea what you’re doing. You probably don’t know:
- Criminal law: What the prosecutor needs to prove and possible weaknesses in the case
- Constitutional law: Constitutional protections are often used as defenses in DUI cases
- Technical issues: Proper procedures for sobriety tests or using a breathalyzer
- Court procedures: What you need to do and when in court
- Negotiation: Most cases are resolved by a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution
No matter how many DUI defense videos on YouTube you watch, even the most junior prosecutor will run circles around you. You need someone to help you avoid serious consequences, so hire an attorney. There are nearly 23,000 lawyers in Colorado. Whom do you pick?
What You Should Ask
You should schedule a consultation with a lawyer. You may hire this person to potentially save your ability to support your family, allow you to apply for future jobs, keep you out of jail, and protect your reputation. To make sure you have the right person, ask these questions:
- Do you specialize in criminal defense? Just like any other job or profession, the more you do, the more you learn, the better your skills. Many attorneys take criminal defense cases along with other types of cases. If their time is divided, their ability to effectively represent you may be more limited.
- How much time do you spend working on DUI cases? DUI cases are very common. They can be very technical when it comes to how a driver should be tested, which is probably the foundation of the case against you. You don’t want an attorney who’ll learn by working on your case.
- What are the outcomes in your cases? Most cases are resolved through a plea bargain agreement. The defendant pleads guilty to certain charges, others may be dropped, and the consequences are agreed to by all parties. Both sides avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. They put this behind them and move on. Many cases are dismissed because of flaws in the prosecution’s case, and others go to trial.
- How many cases are positively resolved for clients? That means, given the situation, the client’s outcome was less severe than it may have been. Some clients are clearly innocent, others have good defenses, and there are some who are plainly guilty. If that’s the case, the best an attorney can do is get the lightest sentence possible. Attorneys are professionals, not magicians who can make bad cases disappear.
- Who will be doing the work? At other firms, it may be the attorney you’re talking to, an associate, or a paralegal. We have a small office focused only on criminal defense. I do all of the law work. You are never handed off to a less experienced attorney. We also hire investigators when the case requires it.
- What do you charge? We charge a flat fee depending on the type of case. Others may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination.
- Are you interested in taking my case? If so, why? The attorney may not want to represent you or take your case for many reasons. If that happens, ask for a referral to another attorney. The attorney may want your case because he or she feels like you’re a reasonable, likable person they want to work for and who may do well in court. Your case may be simple and have some good defenses. Your case may have certain issues an attorney wants to work on.
- Should I trust you with my case? If the attorney doesn’t have an answer or gives one that doesn’t inspire confidence, find someone else. Why should you trust me?
-
- I care about and understand my clients
- I work hard for them
- We provide excellent, personal service
- I have extensive experience representing clients facing DUI charges
- We consistently get good outcomes for them
At the end of the conversation, decide if you trust this person and feel comfortable with them. There is a lot at stake, so decide if you want to work with this lawyer. There are many attorneys in the Denver area. You need to find one who is a good fit for you and your case.
Call Kevin Churchill for a Free Consultation
When your freedom and future are at stake, a skilled Denver criminal defense attorney can be your greatest ally. Choosing the right attorney is critical. It may make a difference in the outcome of your DUI case and your life. You deserve a powerful, high-quality criminal defense. Don’t settle for less. Call us today at (303) 832-9000 today to schedule your free consultation.
