How to Hire a California DUI Lawyer
So you’re ready to hire a California DUI lawyer. You’ve done your research – called a handful of DUI attorneys you found on google and you found an experienced Fullerton-based DUI defense attorney who has handled thousands of DUI cases successfully, with nearly 20 years of knowledge and experience. Wonderful! Sounds like you’re in great hands! But what now? What are the next steps in hiring a California DUI lawyer? How do you hire a California DUI lawyer and what does that process look like? Below is a general overview of the steps involved when you’re looking to hire a California DUI lawyer:
1. Sign Retainer Agreement
Once you have selected the right lawyer to handle your DUI case, you will need to sign a legal services agreement commonly referred to as a retainer agreement. This document will set forth the parameters of the agreement, the costs, payment terms, and any exclusions or limitations. Retainer agreements can be completed in person, by email, mail, fax, or increasingly post CV19, online. Most of our clients now prefer to review and execute the retainer agreement using docusign which provides a digital signature that can be completed using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Copies of the signed agreement are then automatically distributed by email to both the law firm and the client.
2. Pay Attorney Fees
After signing the retainer agreement, you must pay the legal fees set forth in your retainer agreement. Per your retainer agreement, you will need to: A) pay all fees upfront or B) pay an initial down payment with a monthly payment plan. The cost for a DUI attorney varies, but they typically range between $3,000 to $5,000 for a misdemeanor DUI case.
3. Setting up a DMV hearing and preparing your defense
After signing the retainer agreement and paying the legal fees, our office will immediately begin the process of protecting your legal rights by setting up a hearing with the DMV and requesting copies of all the relevant evidence to prepare your defense. Click Here to read more about DUI DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings.
4. Appear in court
On a misdemeanor DUI case, your lawyer can appear for you at most or all of your court dates. Exceptions to this rule would be if the Judge specifically orders you to appear, if you need to testify, or if your lawyer believes there would be strategic advantage to having you physically present. On a felony DUI case the opposite is true. For a felony you will generally need to be present at all court dates. CV19 has changed this somewhat as the court is now allowing for more remote appearances due to the pandemic, but these changes are expected to be temporary measures.
— Conclusion —
When you’re ready to hire a California DUI lawyer, research is perhaps the most important step. In order to get the best possible outcome for your case, your lawyer must be smart and experienced. A knowledgable DUI defense lawyer will know how to build the best defense against your DUI charge and ultimately, get you a better outcome for your case. If you’re still wondering what the best option for you is, call the Law Offices of Mark A. Gallagher at 800-797-8406 or send us a message below to schedule your free consultation. You can also CLICK HERE for additional contact information. So don’t hesitate; give us a call and let us handle your case.
