Why DUI Attorney Ethics Are Important To You As A Potential Client

 

If a DUI lawyer accepts your case, they are not simply accepting payment from you in return for defending you in court – they are obligating themselves to do the right thing by their client (i.e. you) and to defend you to the fullest – to the best of their ability. This obligation goes beyond simply making that statement – it has legal underpinnings that are discussed below, and hopefully by reviewing the reasons why ethics play a critical role in having the proper defense to drunk driving charges, you’ll find a higher level of comfort when determining whether a prospective attorney is reputable, ethical and honest.

 

The Duty to Protect the Rights of Their Defense Client

 

The primary duty of an ethical DUI lawyer is to protect the myriad rights of their defense client, especially in light of the fact that so much is at stake and a DUI is a criminal charge (in many states). A person’s constitutional rights, including their Miranda Rights (right to remain silent, right to an attorney, etc) may have been violated in the process of being pulled over by police and arrested, for instance. In many cases, people may unknowingly incriminate themselves, and through the process of defending a DUI case, they may continue to self sabotage their defense efforts if they aren’t made aware of who to talk to, who not to talk to, and when.

 

The Importance and Sanctity of Attorney-Client Privilege

 

If you can’t confide in your attorney knowing that nothing you tell them will leave the room, then what can you count on? There is an extremely high level of trust that is required to sit with a semi-stranger and tell them intimate and potentially incriminating statements and details of what happened in your DUI case. If you couldn’t be assured that your attorney would keep everything you tell them 100% confident, then you’re definitely not dealing with an ethical person who has your interests at heart.

 

The other parties in a DUI defense case are not your friends and not on your side – this includes the arresting officer, the judge, the prosecutor, state’s witnesses, and possibly expert witnesses. If you remember that any and all information can and will be used against you in the worst possible light, it’s important to have an ethical DUI attorney by your side, who knows all the details and who will present the facts of your case in the BEST possible light.

 

It’s Not Personal, It Is Business and Must Be Treated That Way

 

There’s a real human need to feel that someone believes you, believes in you, and will truly help you. That being said, a criminal defense lawyer’s job is not to decide for themselves whether you’re innocent or guilty, but to make sure your rights are protected and represented, and the facts of the case are shown in the most favorable light to help reduce any penalties you are facing. Evidence and arguments before the court are critical in determining the outcome of your case, and so your DUI attorney must be competent enough to present your case without personal emotion that might weaken your case.

 

So What Should You Look For in a Potential DUI Lawyer?

 

Strangely enough, often times it’s about how you feel after speaking with a defense attorney that will tell you whether this person should defend your case or not. Reading reviews or testimonials is fine, and talking to past clients (if possible) is even better, but your gut feeling is truly the best indicator of whether an attorney is right for you.

 

Another helpful thing to do is call the attorney’s office to ask a follow up question after your first consultation and see if they answer the phone or call you back. Good attorneys will get back to their clients in a timely manner and won’t push them off to secretaries, junior lawyers or other associates – they will step up and be there when you need them.