What You Should Know Before Hiring New Jersey Attorney
Reader’s Question:
I’m getting a hard time getting a DUI lawyer who would represent my husband who was charged for DUI here in Newark, New Jersey. It’s probably because I really don’t know how these lawyers charge their clients and I want to get an affordable one. What are the things that I need to know before hiring a DUI lawyer and how do they charge their clients?
Claire
Newark, NJ
Before scouting around for a DUI attorney in Newark, New Jersey, it is best to know some important points, especially when it comes to their professional fees. You should know if the lawyer’s fee is inclusive of all costs in the litigation process or if it is simply on a retainer basis. Determine also if the charges cover other incidental expenses such as testimonies of experts, license hearings, blood reanalysis, costs of subpoena and other expenses incurred during the course of the hearing.
One of the factors that affects DUI attorney fees is the amount of time the lawyer spends on the case. You should know that good lawyers take on fewer clients and devote more time to studying their cases.
DUI attorney’s fees go up if the offender has prior convictions, when the offense is considered a felony, there are additional retrials or appeals, or if there are additional litigation costs of handling an administrative offense on driver’s license suspension.
The DUI lawyer could charge a fixed fee that covers everything or he can also ask for a retainer fee in advance which is charged on an hourly basis. Other costs such as independent blood analysis, fees of expert witnesses, and fees on serving subpoenas may translate to extra costs on your end.
Don’t forget to ask for a written contract on the fees quoted and be sure to understand the details of the written agreement.
Keep these things in mind when you are scouting around for the best DUI lawyer your money can afford.
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