How to Find a Good DUI Attorney in Orange County

Anyone charged with drunk driving or any driving under the influence related offense in Orange County, California is facing the loss of their driving privileges, fines and possibly prison time. DUI charges are very serious. If you or a loved one is facing any kind of DUI charge, there are steps you can take to protect your freedom and driving privileges. The decision you make now can have a detrimental affect on the rest of your life. Hiring a qualified Orange County DUI attorney will make sure your rights are preserved and that your receive proper legal counsel. Use the following tips to help you find a good DUI attorney in Orange County.

* When selecting a lawyer, use the resources you have at hand such as friends and family. They may be able to give you a recommendation. Phone books are another resource, but remember the largest ad does not mean the best attorney. Always check the lawyer's website for specific information about that lawyer.
* Do some research. You want a lawyer with DUI expertise and experience. The local library should have a copy of the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory. The Directory can also be accessed online at http://www.martindale.com/ and it lists every attorney in the United States along with each lawyer's standing with the California State Bar.
* Have a face-to-face meeting with any prospective OC DUI lawyer. An in person meeting will help you determine if you feel comfortable with them. It also helps the attorney decide if they feel comfortable with you and want to take on your case. Trust your instincts, if you do not feel comfortable after the initial meeting then move on to another attorney. The attorney client relationship is very personal; you want someone you feel comfortable with.
* During the consultation meeting with each prospective attorney, be prepared with a list of questions to ask. Below are a few suggestions:
* How many DUI trials have you done in Orange County in the past year? If your case goes to trial, you want an attorney who has taken a case to court recently.
* How many active cases do you currently carry? You do not want an attorney who is overextended and unable to give your case the focus and attention you want.
* How many Orange County DUI cases have you handled in the past year? You want an attorney who is current with the most recent DUI laws.
* What was the outcome of the cases? You want to know their track record and you want to make sure they do not plead every case. If your case goes to trial, you want to make sure your attorney is prepared and willing to go to trial.
* Will the attorney you are meeting with be the one handling your case or will another attorney in the firm be the primary attorney? In some large firms, the attorney you consulted with may not be the one actually doing the majority of the work on your case. It is best to find out from the beginning who will be handling your case.
* How will they keep you informed about the case? Will you be e-mailed, phoned, or mailed?
* How quickly do they respond to phone calls and emails?
* How do you reach them after normal business hours?

It is very important to understand how you will be charged for the attorney's services. It is common for attorneys to charge by the hour or a flat-fee for DUI representation in Orange County, California.

For a flat-fee agreement:

* Get a list of everything that is covered and anything that is not covered under the flat-fee agreement.
* Does the flat-fee agreement cover taking your case to trial?

For an hourly rate, you will want to ask these additional questions:

* What is the hourly rate?
* What are the minimum billing increments?
* Do they charge for every phone call, email and letter?
* Ask for an estimate of the number of hours the case will take?
* What other expenses might you incur?
* What if the case takes longer than expected?

The Law Offices of Coffey & Coffey can assist you with understanding any DUI charge, your rights and options. Their website located here, Orange County DUI Attorney, is a premier resource for Orange County drivers seeking information and guidance concerning DUI cases.