Finding the Right DWI Defense Attorney in Minneapolis, MN
If you have been arrested under suspicion of drunk driving, the chances are good you have already googled “DWI defense attorney near me.” Pursuing legal counsel right away is the right choice, as your selection of an attorney is important.
There is more that goes into finding the best DWI attorney near you than picking a name off a list or calling a number on your television screen. There are countless attorneys in Minneapolis, but not all of them have the experience and skill to help you fight back against your DWI arrest.
The attorneys of Gerald Miller are proud to advocate for the accused, and we have a long track record of success in earning DWI acquittals. If you are in the market for legal representation following an arrest, take note of the following factors during the course of your search for an attorney.
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney in Minneapolis
There are many different attorneys currently practicing in Minneapolis, MN. Some of those attorneys focus on divorce law while others are experienced in handling mergers or acquisitions. While this type of focus is valuable, their experience will not benefit your defense in a DWI case. If you’re looking for the best defense attorney near you, it is in your best interest to find legal counsel that focuses on criminal law.
A defense attorney will spend most if not all of their time focusing on handling criminal cases. This level of focus allows your attorney to absorb the important details of criminal law that can be difficult to casually pick up.
Look for Legal Counsel that Focuses on DWI Defense
Not all attorneys are alike, and not all criminal defense attorneys are the same either. Some criminal defense attorneys choose to focus their practice on a specific type of criminal conduct. While this level of focus can be helpful, it is vital that you find an attorney that bases their practice on defending accusations of drunken driving.
DWI law is complex, and there are constantly new court decisions that apply to these cases. From changes in the law to reasonable suspicion to pull over a driver to rulings regarding evidence mishandling, it is vital your attorney keeps up with these decisions. An attorney focused on DWI defense is more likely to be up-to-date on the most important state and federal decisions that might apply to your defense.
Seek Out Responsive Legal Counsel
Your case is important. If you are convicted of DWI, you could face serious consequences that have the potential to affect you for the rest of your life. For that reason, you deserve an attorney that is responsive to your needs. If you have questions regarding your case or defense strategy, it should be easy for you to get the answers you need.
Any time you contact your attorney they should respond to you immediately. While attorneys are busy and often in court, you are entitled to responsive legal representation that will meet your needs on your schedule. Your attorney should not only be available over the phone, it should be little trouble to schedule an in-person meeting in a matter of days.
Local Experience is Valuable in Minneapolis
An attorney is more than the sum of their education and legal knowledge. There are other types of experience that could be invaluable during the course of your criminal case. One of the most important factors to consider is whether or not your attorney regularly practices in local courts.
Even though DWI law is the same across the state, it is worth noting that court procedures and preferences can vary dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. Knowledge of these local rules is important, as is an understanding of what to expect from a judge’s ruling.
If your attorney is experienced with practicing in your local court, they will be able to advise you on what to expect from the judge overseeing the case. This could be useful in everything from sentencing to decisions regarding evidence exclusion. Understanding the ins and outs of each court could give you an advantage in your DWI case.
Talk About Money Right Away
You deserve more than just an attorney that will fight for you in the courtroom. You also deserve to know how much they are going to charge. Not everyone offers a clear fee structure, and it is important that you find one that does.
There are different ways an attorney can charge when handling a criminal case. It is important to understand the difference between these fee structures, as some are more costly than others. Some attorneys simply bill by the hour. This approach can be costly, but it is uncommon in DWI cases.
Other attorneys charge a flat fee, but many of them want to be paid upfront. To avoid any confusion about the scope of your attorney’s representation of what your final bill might look like, it is helpful to have these discussions before you ever hire legal counsel.
Focus on Courtroom Experience
Courtroom experience is invaluable when it comes to finding DWI defense attorneys near you. You might be surprised to learn that many attorneys avoid the courtroom at all costs. While this approach might work out best for them, it is unlikely to work out in your best interest. This is because many DWI cases ultimately go to trial. If you take your case to trial with an attorney who rarely litigates their cases, you could find yourself at a disadvantage.
There are many advantages when it comes to hiring an attorney that knows their way around the courtroom. This is especially true if your case is likely to go to trial. Often, minor mistakes by an attorney could be enough to change the course of a proceeding. By hiring a lawyer with extensive courtroom experience, you are less likely to face these errors.
The attorneys of Gerald Miller never shy away from the courtroom. We have extensive experience taking DWI cases to trial, and we will not hesitate to do so when necessary. Our firm will also work to dismiss your case so that you will avoid facing the uncertainty of a trial setting.
Your Relationship is Important in Minneapolis
There is a chance that you will spend more time with your defense attorney than other people in your life during the course of your DWI case. Because of this, it is important that you have a functioning relationship with them. Just like with any person you spend time with, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney that you can get along with on a personal level.
In the end, it is worth trusting your instincts about whether or not an attorney is going to serve you well. If you feel like something is off between you and your prospective attorney, it is wise to trust your instincts. It is much more difficult to change attorneys in the middle of a criminal case than it is before you hire them.
Take Advantage of an Initial Consultation
You should never hire attorneys based entirely on what you have read about them. One of the best ways to get to know your prospective legal counsel is by sitting down with them in person. Many attorneys offer free consultations, which could provide you with useful insight into who you intend to hire.
It is important you make the most of your initial consultation. The opportunity to ask questions from an attorney is valuable, so it could be in your best interest to write them down. Making a full list of questions ahead of time could ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let the Attorneys of Gerald Miller Help You in Minneapolis
If you are in the market for the best DWI defense attorney near you, Gerald Miller is ready to help. Our firm proudly advocates for the accused in Minneapolis, MN. We have a lengthy track record of success in DWI cases, and we never shy away from the prospect of a trial. If you are ready to consider your options, reach out right away. The initial consultation with the attorneys of Gerald Miller is always free. Call today to learn more.
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