When you face a DUI charge, it is important to understand your DUI attorney client relationship and set reasonable expectations. Obviously, define the expectations between you and your DUI attorney. Also, it is a good idea that you both are on the same page.
What TO expect
(DUI attorney client relationship)
When meeting with the DUI attorney client relationship, the retainer and fee agreement should lay out most everything that might come up in the course of your case. The following are things that you should be confident that your lawyer will do:
Communicate regularly with you regarding your case.
This means that whenever there is an update, your lawyer or their staff should let you know promptly. You should not expect a call every week unless there is a reason for the communication. Lawyers that charge for their time rather than a flat-fee basis, feel free to contact them whenever you want. However, understand that the DUI Attorney bills each call. It is reasonable to expect returned phone calls and emails within a couple of business days.
Keep your information confidential.
Your lawyer should keep all information about your case confidential, except as necessary to properly represent you.
Explain your options.
Lawyers should give opinions as to what you should do, but should also explain the alternatives to their recommendation. You and your lawyer should work in partnership to achieve the best result for you.
Your lawyer should not pressure you.
You should not feel bullied or pressured to make an important decision in your case. Early and complete communication will ensure that you don't have to make a split second decision. However, you should understand that a last minute plea bargain offered in court on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. You may forced, through no fault of your DUI lawyer's, to make an instant decision.
What NOT TO expect
(DUI attorney client relationship)
DUI attorney client relationship is know to screen out potential clients who are likely making life difficult and detract service to other clients. The following is a list of things you should not expect from your DUI lawyer:
Don't expect the lawyer to pick up the phone when you call.
Most lawyers have a staff that answers the phones and deals with routine matters. The lawyer's time is best spent in meetings, court, and preparing cases. If you want to know when your next court date is, a receptionist or paralegal can answer that question. When you have a matter that you need to discuss with your lawyer, don't expect the lawyer to drop whatever they are doing the second you call. Often times, the lawyer will need to pull and review your file before discussing your case with you. You should expect a call-back in a reasonable amount of time, but not instant gratification.
Don't expect the lawyer to take care of routine matters such as calling an impound yard to find out directions for you.
Being a non-legal issue that you can handle yourself, your lawyer probably hasn't built such service into the flat fee. Being charged hourly, would you pay $300 per hour for a lawyer to sit on hold with the DMV when you can do that yourself? If the answer is yes, that is fine, but expect being billed, and pay your bill.
Don't expect the primary lawyer to do everything in your case unless it is explicitly promised at the start of your case.
Meeting with senior partner, it is probable that work in your case delegated to lower partners or associates. Expect delegation, so don't complain about it unless it was not part of agreement, or if person not performing well.
Don't yell at your lawyer.
Your DUI lawyer didn't get you into this situation. Some DUI defendants want to transfer blame for their plight onto their attorney. Doing so will not serve your best interests or help your case.
Don't expect your lawyer to read your mind.
If you have questions or concerns in regards to the DUI attorney client relationship, voice them as soon as they arise. Communication is a two-way street, and you owe your lawyer the courtesy of speaking your mind.