Within any state in the United States a charge of DUI is taken very seriously and the penalties can be severe. If you are stopped and subsequently charged with driving under the influence then you should hire the services of a qualified Tampa DUI attorney as soon as you can. Many people think that DUI is merely a minor traffic offense and fail to realize the implications of simply being charged with this offense.
Whilst many lawyers are willing to take on DUI cases, you are better hiring an attorney who specializes in DUI cases only. Because every state makes their own laws with regards to offenses such as DUI, they will have the experience and knowledge to best handle your case. You also need to hire a lawyer within the state in which the offense took place and where your case will be heard in court. Therefore you should hire a Tampa DUI attorney if that is where the offence occurred.
There are several options open to you when it comes to finding a DUI attorney to take on your case. Firstly if you want hire a private lawyer you should look to meet with at least two lawyers before deciding on who to hire. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney then you can request a court appointed counsel who will be paid for by the state.
Recommendations from past clients are always the best way to find a Tampa DUI attorney to represent you. Ask around friends and family for contact details of anyone they care to recommend. A few discreet questions should enable you to find out enough to go on to make your own enquiries.
Search online through the numerous legal directory websites which will give you a list of attorney's in your local area matching your needs. Some sites will only provide you with basic details whilst others will provide more detailed profiles of lawyers in your area. Local paper directories, newspapers and printed media are other ways of finding good lawyers in your locality. You can also ask at the local bar association for a referral, although you may have to pay a referral fee to the bar should you go on to hire them.
You do have the right to represent yourself, but given the complex nature of DUI cases this is ill advised. You will need to have at least some basic legal knowledge and will be asked by the judge before your hearing commences if you possess this. If you cannot satisfy them that you are competent enough to represent yourself then you will be appointed a court attorney instead. Many prosecutors will not deal with defendants who choose to represent themselves making it difficult to negotiate your defense with them.
Be proactive in your search for a Tampa DUI attorney and trust your instincts when it comes to choosing who to hire. You will need to work closely with them and form a lawyer-client relationship; if you do not feel comfortable around them then you should hire someone else.
|
Sherry Adams is a businesswoman for almost 9 years and because of her profession she met some professional, like IT specialist, doctor and a Tampa DUI Lawyer who assisted her when in comes to legal issues. And when she visit Florida, she met a Tampa DUI Attorney and ask some legal advice when she in trouble driving. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Adams |
