There are a few things to look for when considering which Suffolk County DWI Lawyer to retain:
The first thing is experience. Some attorneys are “jack of all trades” lawyers who will handle cases from many different areas of law including DWI defense. I do not recommend hiring general practitioners as they do not have substantial experience focusing on DWI law. Instead, I recommend hiring an attorney that focuses mainly on DWI defense.
Also, experience in the area where your case is based, is critical. My DWI defense law practice is devoted almost entirely to Suffolk and Nassau counties. 90% of the cases I handle are on Long Island, and over the years I have been in every court and forged relationships in every area.
It is a good idea to meet with the attorney and see if you are comfortable with them on a personal level. Since covid I have done this telephonically and with technology such as Facetime. As we move through this difficult time, I look forward to more in-person time with my clients.
A good DWI defense attorney needs to be a good communicator, and it should be easy for you to build a rapport with them so you are comfortable with them representing you. They should also be straightforward and be transparent about fees, costs and what to expect for the next steps.
Finally, reputation is key for helping you decide who to hire. Recommendations from friends or family is a good place to start. Even if you don’t have a personal recommendation there are plenty of places to look online for reviews. Avvo, Google, Lawyers.com are all good resources for online reviews. Take the time to read why an attorney received a good or bad review to determine what it really is like should you hire them.