| Getting the Best DUI Lawyer in Baltimore For You
If you’ve recently been arrested for driving under the influence in the Baltimore area, you almost certainly are afraid and want to do whatever it takes to get back on the right track. There are so many things going through your mind right now and so many things that you feel you need to do, but finding the right lawyer probably tops this list. You need an advocate that can fight for your rights and represent you vigorously. But finding the right DUI lawyer in Baltimore is not as simple as choosing tomatoes in the grocery store. Following are several very important considerations to take into account as you try to find the best DUI lawyer in Baltimore for you.
First, even if you are guilty, remember you are presumed innocent until you are found guilty in a court of law. The right lawyer will be the best chance you have of fighting the potential consequences that could come from a DUI conviction. These could include jail time, revocation of your driver license, etc. You need a knowledgeable attorney at your side who understands deeply the applicable law, who knows the right questions to ask, and who can create a great strategy for your defense based on the evidence that the prosecutor has.
Second, choose a lawyer from the Baltimore area that has long experience fighting DUI and DWI cases. There are thousands of lawyers in the Baltimore area, but only a select portion of these attorneys are experienced in DUI cases in the Baltimore area and specifically focus on your kind of case. This is the kind of lawyer who will have the best understanding of the law applicable to your case and the knowledge of how that law must be applied by the enforcement agencies. They will be able to best evaluate whether you were treated fairly or whether the police overstepped their bounds. If it turns out that you were treated unfairly or unjustly, the charges could be dropped.
Third, look for a lawyer who is recommended by other lawyers and who is a member of prestigious organizations. Prominent positions in the state bar association, membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and membership in the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) are examples of things you might look for.
Next, discount lawyers are not the right way to go. Some DUI/DWI lawyers in Baltimore and elsewhere charge very low rates. What you need to know about these lawyers is that they also maintain a very heavy load of cases. You are likely just one of hundreds of DUI cases that the firm is working on. These kind of firms often just want to get the case over with and move on to the next paying client. They are not able to give the right amount of attention and focus to your specific situation as a DUI lawyer in Baltimore that might cost you more money. Just remember, that you will likely get what you pay for. At this crucial time in your life, it is imperative that you have quality representation. Many of the best DUI lawyers in Baltimore give free consultations. However, you can expect to pay retainer fees in the thousands of dollars. In the end, you are better off with a public defender who has dedicated their career to defending the defenseless than you are with a discount attorney that just wants to get your money and move on.
To sum up, when deciding on a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, you need to find the right level of experience, and the right focus on your individual situation. It is your best shot at getting a fresh start and another chance. |
