If you are facing a DUI charge in Rock Hill, there are several important reasons to put an experienced DUI lawyer on your side. While it is important to hire a lawyer promptly, it is also important to make an informed decision about your legal representation—and this makes it important to know what you can (and should) expect when you hire a lawyer to represent you.
At the same time, it is important to know what not to expect as well. Having reasonable expectations will be important for the success of your case. So, what can (and should) you expect from your lawyer—and what should you not expect from your legal representation? Here’s what you need to know:
What to Expect from an Experienced Rock Hill DUI Lawyer
When you hire a DUI lawyer to represent you, you are entitled to several expectations. These expectations include:
A Realistic and Straightforward Assessment of Your DUI Case
One of the first things you can expect is a realistic and straightforward assessment of your DUI case. While your lawyer will need to gather additional information to fully assess the risks you are facing and the options you have available, your lawyer should be able to provide a preliminary assessment of your case during your free initial consultation. Your lawyer should then work to gather the additional information needed as efficiently as possible so that he or she can advise you appropriately.
A Thorough Explanation of the Consequences of a DUI Conviction in South Carolina
The consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina can be severe. These include not only DMV and court-imposed penalties, but also other consequences that can impact nearly all aspects of your life. You can expect your lawyer to explain these consequences to you so that you have a clear understanding of what is at stake in your case.
A Commitment to Your Best Interests
As your advisor and representative, your lawyer will be committed to your best interests. Your lawyer will advise you with your best interests in mind, and your lawyer will use his or her experience to help you seek a favorable resolution under the circumstances at hand. With prosecutors working hard to convict you, it will be critical for you to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Transparency About Your Lawyer’s Legal Fees
When you hire a lawyer to handle your DUI case in Rock Hill, you should not be left wondering how much your legal representation is going to cost you. Your lawyer should be fully transparent about his or her legal fees, and you should only be charged the legal fees stipulated in your engagement agreement.
While it costs money to hire a DUI lawyer to represent you, hiring a DUI lawyer can save you money in the long run. Although there are no guarantees (as we discuss below), if your lawyer is able to help you avoid a DUI conviction, you will almost certainly pay far less than you would have paid otherwise.
Clear and Effective Communication
Clear and effective communication is extremely important in the lawyer-client relationship. Not only do you need to receive timely advice from your lawyer, but you also need to be able to clearly understand what your lawyer is recommending. An experienced Rock Hill DUI lawyer will be able to communicate with you effectively so that you can feel confident in your decision-making.
The Advice You Need to Make Informed Decisions
This brings us to our next point: You can expect your DUI lawyer to provide the advice you need to make informed decisions. This includes (but is not limited to) making informed decisions about:
- Whether to enter into a pretrial diversion program
- Whether to seek (and whether to accept) a plea bargain
- Whether to fight your DUI at trial
The decisions you make during your DUI case could impact your life for decades to come. As a result, it is critical that you make these decisions based on sound and custom-tailored legal advice.
Effective Legal Representation in Plea Negotiations or in Court
Finally, you can expect your DUI lawyer to provide effective legal representation in plea negotiations or in court. Your lawyer will communicate with prosecutors or present your defense to the judge or jury on your behalf, and your lawyer will argue for an outcome that minimizes the consequences of your DUI arrest to the fullest extent possible.
What Not to Expect from Your Legal Representation
While you are entitled to several expectations when you hire a DUI lawyer to represent you, there are also certain things that you should not expect from your legal representation. These include:
Immediate Availability 24/7
You should expect to be able to communicate with your lawyer about your DUI case in a timely manner. However, this does not necessarily mean that you should expect your lawyer to be immediately available 24/7. Your lawyer will have other clients as well, and your lawyer will be managing his or her schedule to ensure that all clients receive the advice and representation they deserve.
The Ability to Handle Your Case Without Your Involvement
To represent you effectively, your lawyer will need your help. As a result, while you can (and should) rely on your lawyer to build and execute your defense strategy, you should also expect to remain involved throughout the process.
A Guarantee of Success
Finally, no lawyer can guarantee a successful outcome in your DUI case. While your DUI lawyer can (and will) fight vigorously on your behalf, your lawyer cannot force prosecutors to offer a favorable plea deal, nor can your lawyer force the judge or jury to render a “Not guilty” verdict in court.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Rock Hill DUI Lawyer Today
Are you facing a DUI charge in Rock Hill, SC? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. To discuss your case with an experienced Rock Hill DUI lawyer in confidence, call 803-328-8822 or request a free consultation online today.