6 Steps to Finding the Right DWI Lawyer

August 22, 2022

More than half a million drivers are arrested yearly for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Although a DWI arrest is stressful, you should be prepared to face what is about to come. Hiring an experienced Board Certified DWI lawyer in Montgomery County, TX will relieve you from some stress. They will help you determine whether to plead guilty or take the case to court and navigate the complexities of the legal system. Additionally, they will make you analyze the charges against you and give you the best advice on how to proceed with those charges. Therefore, finding the right DWI lawyer is essential. 

Below, we have listed the six steps to finding the right DWI lawyer.

1. Ask around: Check if any of your friends and family members have faced DWI charges in the past. If yes, ask them who they hired as their defense attorney in Montgomery County, TX and what was the final verdict of the case. Sometimes, people you trust may help you find a good lawyer. 

2. Research DWI lawyers online: You can also check various online directories like avvo.com for DWI attorneys. After shortlisting some of them, do your homework. Check about their experience on their website and the state bar of Texas website. Ideally, you should look for the best lawyer in Montgomery County, TX specializing in DWI and criminal cases. Study their background and read online reviews about them. Only lawyers who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of legal Specialization can claim to be DWI experts.  Mr. Dennis is part of the 6% of Texas lawyers who are Board Certified.

3. Call DWI attorney: Narrow your options to three or four attorneys and reach out to them with a call or email. Make sure they are responsive, and you should feel confident about your choice. Steer clear of those who make unrealistic claims. If a lawyer will not discuss fees or outcomes on the phone, move on.  There is no reason to make an in person office appointment to get information.

4. Schedule a consultation: Choose the best DWI lawyer in The Woodlands, TX and schedule a consultation with them. Make sure you tell them the truth about your charges, as it will help them figure out what will be the best thing to do. Also, carry your DWI documents, police reports, or DPS  letters. Ask about their expertise and experience. You should also inquire about what strategy they have in mind for you.  Don’t hire a lawyer who does not office in Montgomery County as they will not be as familiar with the court system, police, arrest areas and most importantly potential jurors.

5. Ask about fees: Depending on the severity of your case and the attorney’s experience, the fees will range between $3500.00 and $10,000. Make sure your attorney has quoted the fees in advance and does a written contract to protect both you and the lawyer. Ask them about what the fees cover- they may or may not cover extra costs like additional filing and expert witness fees. 

Determine if you want to pay them hourly or flat rate. Remember, hourly rates can add up and turn out to be costly. You should also seek clarity for the payment plans, allowing you to better manage your finances and expenses. Most criminal lawyers do a flat rate.

6. Assess your comfort level: The final step requires determining how comfortable you are working with the defense attorney in Montgomery County, TX. You will be entrusting them with your life and freedom. Therefore, you should hire someone you trust and who can easily communicate. They should clearly explain the legal issues and answer all your questions. They must be confident about themselves. Avoid those who are not honest or transparent about their experience and trial records. 

About Steve Dennis, Criminal Defense Attorney in The Woodlands, TX

At Steve Dennis, Attorney at Law in Montgomery County, TX, we prioritize your case and invest our time, effort and almost 30 years experience in providing you with the best guidance. Our clients trust us because we possess the experience and skills to win their cases. For more information, contact us at (936) 539-1234, email us at stevedennislaw@yahoo.com or fill out our contact form to hear back from us.