When adults attend parties and other social gatherings, there is a potential for alcohol exposure. If someone has alcohol in their system, getting behind the wheel can be dangerous to themselves and other individuals on the road. Along with that, it can lead to jail time, a license suspension, and a large fine, which is why it’s essential to hire a lawyer. If you or someone you know is found to have been operating while intoxicated (OWI), here are a few questions to ask when speaking with an attorney.

Questions to Ask When Hiring an OWI Attorney

How long have you been practicing law?

When hiring someone to represent you in a court of law, they should have the right background knowledge to do so. This type of question can help you gauge the scope of their experience to see if it’s going to be a good fit to represent you for your OWI case. For example, if the majority of the cases a lawyer sees are related to personal injury law, they might not be the best option to represent you for a traffic violation.

Do you also handle administrative review hearings or just the OWI case?

While it’s not required for a lawyer to be there for a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing, it’s a good rule of thumb to have one. If the DMV hearing is lost, you can face strict penalties, including a possible felony, so having a lawyer who can represent you in this hearing is beneficial. They would be able to see if there are any inconsistencies with the OWI—such as using a faulty breathalyzer or not having probable cause to pull you over—that could assist with your case.

What do you charge?

While the initial consultation is sometimes free, OWI lawyers either charge a flat fee or an hourly rate when they decide to represent you. Your case could also include hidden costs that are separate from the attorney’s fees, such as for medical tests, expert witnesses, or certified court records. Asks for estimates of any fees you could expect before signing a contract.

While the court of law can be tricky to navigate on your own, you don’t need to do it alone. The attorneys at Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt in Sparta, WI, are ready to assist you with your OWI case and all other legal needs. Visit their website today to learn about their areas of practice, or call (608) 269-2400 to schedule a consultation with a representative who is equipped to handle your case.