DUI charges are taken very seriously in Missouri, and if you are convicted of driving under the influence, you could face penalties including fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. You may be facing DUI charges based on the type of situation or whether you have prior convictions for driving under the influence. If you’re in need of representation in court, following these five tips can help you choose the best DUI attorney in Missouri to help you get through this difficult time in your life.

1. Don’t Assume All Law Firms Can Handle Your Case

You should never assume that all law firms can handle your case, and the Missouri DUI attorney you choose will be integral in helping to resolve all issues related to your driving under the influence charges. Some law firms are better equipped to deal with certain cases than others. For example, if you need help fighting a drunk driving charge based on a Breathalyzer test, you should hire an attorney who specializes in Breathalyzer testing rather than a general DUI attorney. If you need help dealing with a DWI charge in Missouri, you should look to a DUI attorney who is experienced with drunk driving charges. If you are facing an Ignition Interlock required after a DUI conviction, talk to your attorney about his or her past experience with ignition interlocks.

2. Try and Find Out About The Law Firms Experience With Your Charges

Each case is different and results vary, but it’s important that the law firm you hire has experience handling similar cases. For example, if you have had prior DUI convictions, it’s a good idea to choose a firm that has handled similar cases before. If you have been injured in an accident you are facing DUI charges, it would also be wise to hire a firm with a history of handling similar cases. Finding out about the experience of the law firms you are considering can help you make an informed decision on how best to defend your case in court.

3. Ask For A Quote and Ask For More Information

Once you have narrowed down your choices of law firms, ask for quotes from different attorneys and ask them for more information regarding their court history and experience with similar cases. You should also ask for references from previous clients and contact those clients directly to ask about the type of representation they received from the firm. You can also hire a firm that offers free initial consultations if they don’t charge fees up front. If you are in Missouri, you may want to look for a DUI attorney with local experience. Remember that you should never hire an attorney based solely on word-of-mouth, but should also do your own research to find out more information about their experience handling similar cases.

4. Ask About Additional Charges

If a law firm you are thinking of hiring charges too much up front, they may be overcharging you for additional fees. The fees charged by a law firm should be based on their experience and court record, so it’s important to ask about add-on fees before agreeing to hire the law firm. You may also want to purchase an affordable legal plan that covers all of your legal expenses in case you need representation for other types of legal issues in the future.

Hiring an attorney to represent you in court is an important decision. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI charge you can learn more about DUI in Missouri, it’s best to work with an experienced DUI attorney who has experience handling similar cases. Follow the above tips and choose the law firm that provides what you are looking for at a price you can afford.