Facing a DUI charge is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences on your life, including potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Choosing the right DUI lawyer to represent you is a critical step in your defense. It’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you have experienced legal representation that will fight for your rights and help achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will answer your questions, address your concerns, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation. Call us today at (310) 448-1529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment with Attorney Arash Hashemi. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Is Your Background in DUI Cases?
When facing DUI charges, securing an attorney who specializes in DUI defense can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Specialists in this field possess a deep understanding of the specific laws, procedures, and defense strategies that can be crucial to your defense. Here are essential aspects to consider when discussing this with your potential attorney:
- Specialization: Ensure that the attorney primarily focuses on DUI cases. A specialist will have the expertise and familiarity with the nuances of DUI laws that can make a significant difference in your case.
- Experience: Ask about the number of DUI cases the attorney has handled. Extensive experience means they are more likely to have encountered a variety of situations similar to yours.
- Success Rate: It’s important to inquire not just about the quantity of cases but also the quality of outcomes. Ask how many of those cases have resulted in favorable resolutions, such as reduced charges, acquittals, or dismissals.
- Recent Cases: Request examples of recent DUI cases the attorney has managed. This provides insight into their current experience and effectiveness in DUI defense.
- Certifications and Training: Some attorneys have specialized certifications or training in DUI defense, such as courses on breathalyzer operation or field sobriety testing. These credentials reflect a deeper commitment and expertise in this area.
Example Questions to Ask:
- “Do you specialize in DUI cases, and how long have you been practicing DUI defense?”
- “Can you share your success rate in DUI cases?”
- “Can you provide examples of recent DUI cases you’ve handled and their outcomes?”
- “Do you have any special certifications or training related to DUI defense?”
Who Will Personally Handle My Case?
When hiring an attorney, it’s crucial to know who will be directly responsible for managing your case. In larger law firms, the attorney you initially consult with might not be the one overseeing your case day-to-day, making it essential to clarify this upfront. Ensure you understand whether the attorney you’re speaking with will be the one to personally manage your case, as having a consistent point of contact is vital for building trust and ensuring effective communication. If your case involves a team approach, inquire about the specific roles of each member to get a clear picture of how your defense will be handled. Additionally, if another attorney within the firm will take the lead on your case, request to meet them to assess their competence and ensure you’re comfortable with the person who will be advocating on your behalf. Lastly, verify the qualifications and experience of the attorney assigned to your case, ensuring they possess the specialized knowledge in DUI defense necessary to navigate its complexities and secure the best possible outcome.
Are You Trained in Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Test Procedures?
Field sobriety and breathalyzer tests often serve as critical evidence in DUI cases. To effectively challenge the accuracy and reliability of these tests, it’s essential that your attorney has specialized training and knowledge in their administration and interpretation. Here’s what you should consider:
- Knowledge of Approved Tests: Confirm that your attorney is well-versed in the field sobriety tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests. A thorough understanding of these tests is crucial for identifying inaccuracies or improper administration.
- Challenging the Evidence: An attorney with specialized training in these tests can identify and exploit flaws in how they were conducted. They should be able to challenge the conditions under which the tests were administered, as well as scrutinize whether the officer followed proper protocols, which can significantly impact the strength of the prosecution’s case.
- Expertise in Breathalyzer Testing: If your case includes breathalyzer evidence, it’s important that your attorney understands the mechanics, limitations, and potential errors of these devices. This expertise can be key in disputing the validity of breath test results, which can often be a decisive factor in DUI cases.
Questions to Ask:
- “How familiar are you with the NHTSA guidelines for field sobriety tests?”
- “Have you successfully challenged field sobriety test results in court?”
- “Do you have the expertise to assess and challenge the accuracy of breathalyzer test results?”
What Are Your Fees, and How Are They Structured?
When evaluating potential DUI attorneys, understanding the cost and fee structure is crucial. You’ll want to know exactly what you’re paying for, any additional costs that might arise, and how payments are managed. Schedule a case review to thoroughly assess the details of your situation and discuss our fee structure and services in depth.
Clarify whether the attorney charges a flat fee or an hourly rate for DUI cases. A flat fee offers predictability, ensuring you know the total cost upfront, while an hourly rate may fluctuate based on the complexity and duration of your case. Be sure to ask about any potential extra costs, such as fees for expert witnesses, re-testing of blood samples, or filing motions.
Understanding these possible expenses ahead of time helps avoid surprises later. If managing the full payment upfront is challenging, inquire about available payment plans. This can make it easier to afford quality legal representation by spreading the cost over time.
When Can I Expect to Hear from You as the Case Progresses?
Effective communication with your attorney is crucial throughout the process. It’s important to establish how often and under what circumstances your attorney will update you on the status of your case. You should ask about their communication practices, including whether they will be personally handling your case or if you will be dealing with a team. This ensures that you stay informed and can make timely decisions based on the developments in your case.
What Is the Possible Outcome of My Case?
No attorney can guarantee the outcome of a DUI case, but an experienced lawyer should be able to provide a realistic assessment based on the specifics of your situation. In the best-case scenario, your charges could be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence or if procedural errors were made by law enforcement. There is also the possibility of having your DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, which carries lighter penalties. If your case goes to trial, there is a chance you could be acquitted, meaning the jury finds you not guilty. Additionally, a successful defense at the DMV hearing could allow you to avoid license suspension altogether.
However, the worst-case scenario involves a conviction, which could result in severe penalties, including the suspension of your driving privileges. You might face significant fines, mandatory DUI education programs, community service, and possibly even jail time, especially if there are aggravating factors such as a high blood alcohol concentration or an accident causing injury. A DUI conviction typically leads to increased auto insurance premiums as well.
To mitigate these risks, a skilled DUI attorney will challenge the evidence against you, including the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of breathalyzer results. They will also work to negotiate plea deals with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties and represent you at DMV hearings to help retain your driving privileges.
How Our Attorney Can Help Defend Against DUI Charges
The first step in defending against a DUI charge is a thorough review of the details surrounding your arrest. We carefully examine all evidence, including the results of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and the circumstances of the traffic stop. By scrutinizing these elements, we aim to identify any procedural errors or violations of your rights that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Our defense strategy involves challenging the reliability of the evidence against you. We look into whether the field sobriety tests were administered correctly, whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated, and whether the officer had a legitimate reason to stop you in the first place. If we find flaws in the evidence or its collection, we will use this to your advantage.
We also handle all necessary legal motions, such as filing to suppress evidence that was obtained unlawfully or challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer results. If we identify issues with the prosecution’s case, we may file motions to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Should your case go to trial, we will represent you in court, aggressively cross-examining witnesses and challenging the prosecution’s evidence. Our goal is to cast doubt on the validity of the charges against you, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Get the Legal Representation You Need for Your DUI Case
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, especially with the potential consequences of fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It’s crucial to have the right legal representation to protect your rights and guide you through this challenging process. With over 20 years of experience in DUI defense, Attorney Arash Hashemi is committed to providing the skilled and effective representation you need.
Schedule a Consultation:
Phone: (310) 448-1529
Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.
Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood. We offer flexible hours and weekend appointments, and if needed, we can meet with you in jail to discuss your case. Don’t wait—contact us today to begin building a strong defense.
