Getting answers to these questions will help you hire the right OWI attorney

If you are arrested for OWI, you are facing serious charges. Wisconsin imposes strict consequences for even your first offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Before you hire an attorney, you need to be comfortable that he or she will give you the best defense possible. These five questions should help you make a good choice for your needs.

1. What Is Your Experience in OWI?

You do not want someone who is not comfortable with managing an OWI defense. An attorney without criminal defense experience, especially in defending against OWI cases, may not give you the best chance in court. You should also make sure he or she is familiar with the local court and judges.

2. What Is Going to Happen to Me?

If an attorney pretends you don’t face serious consequences, you may have the wrong person. Your lawyer should give you the best and worst case scenario, and be honest about both what you can hope for and what you face if you lose.

3. How Will I Be Billed?

Your lawyer needs to be honest about how you will be charged, and what the defense will cost you. Attorneys are not allowed to conceal charges, and should give you a clear schedule of fees for their services.

4. What Will Your Strategy Be?

Your OWI defense is critical for your future, in terms of potential fines and jail time. Accordingly, your attorney should be willing to talk through strategy with you. This means both advice on how to proceed and honest discussion about what to do.

5. How Will We Communicate?

Similarly, you need to know what is happening along the way. Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions and willing to talk through what is going on. A communication plan protects both of you over the course of your defense.

Hiring your OWI attorney is the most important choice you will make after your arrest. Make sure you ask the right questions so you can feel comfortable with the person representing you.