After you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Philadelphia, you’re at the mercy of the courts. They will review the evidence presented by the arresting police officer, as well as other factors of your case, and determine your fate. Depending on the circumstances, that could mean thousands of dollars in fines and months — or years — behind bars.
But the judge doesn’t have to make this determination without a counterargument. An attorney can look at your case as well, poking holes in the evidence and working to get your punishment reduced or, ideally, dropped altogether. It seems like lawyers are a dime a dozen these days. So how do you know you are getting the best quality representation from a top-notch attorney? Here are a few factors to consider.
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Experience
Perhaps more important than anything else, you need a DUI attorney has been representing clients for a long time. Sometimes you can get away with hiring a non-specialized attorney to represent you in your case, such as a white collar crime attorney representing a bankruptcy client. Not so with DUIs. Because the laws in Pennsylvania are so nuanced, it takes a dedicated professional to make sure you get the highest quality representation.
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Accessibility
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, chances are it was after a long night of drinking. You need an attorney who will be there to pick up the phone, no matter what time you call. It also needs to be someone who will not just load you down with legal jargon and expect you to understand. In the same way an electrician or mechanic uses plain English to explain the problem, so should your attorney. They need to understand your unique situation and make sure you know exactly how the case is expected to play out.
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Rapport and Reputation
You’ve called a DUI attorney and gotten your free consultation. How friendly was the lawyer? Did he or she seem like someone you would get along with? If not, it may be time to call a new counselor. Bad chemistry can quickly lead to frustration and even a compromised representation in court. Once you get out of holding, research your attorney. How’s their reputation online? Look at reviews and make sure your attorney is someone you can trust to get the job done right.
At the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis, we have been representing DUI clients — and only DUI clients — in Philadelphia for over 20 years. We are here to review your case, day or night. In addition, we have been recognized time and time again as one of the top law firms in the state. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Philadelphia, give us a call. Your first consultation is free.