If you have been charged with a DUI, hire an attorney right away. To find a DUI attorney in the Tampa Bay area, use this guide to get tips on how to search for, interview, and qualify a top defense lawyer. This guide will show you what to look for when searching for an attorney with the experience and expertise needed to get the best possible outcome in your case.
How to Find a DUI Attorney
Choosing the right attorney might be one of the most important decisions you make after being charged with a DUI. Start your search for a trusted attorney immediately after being arrested for a DUI. A top attorney can lead to a better outcome and minimize the impact a DUI has on the rest of your life. To find a DUI attorney:
- Look for an attorney in the area where you were charged, as they will have a better understanding of the local jurisdiction and court system.
- Ask your network for referrals to find a trusted attorney who has directly helped people you know.
- Search online, but don’t rely solely on top spots in search. Instead of choosing the first attorney that pops up, use the criteria outlined below to research attorneys to find the one best suited to work on your case.
Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities
Find the Best DUI Attorney In The Tampa Bay Area
Find a DUI attorney with the skillset to support you in your case. Look for an attorney with experience and connections. Choose someone who can offer personal dedication while having access to a larger pool of resources, and work with a lawyer who can meet your financial needs.
Experience
Search for a DUI attorney with a good amount of experience in criminal defense and DUIs. An experienced attorney has gone through the legal process many times. They understand what works and does not work in the courtroom. They may even have connections or know judges or prosecutors and how they approach cases, which can lead to better outcomes. Look for attorneys with specific experience in your type of case, such as a first-offense DUI or a situation where you have had previous DUI charges.
Connections & Reputation
Hiring a criminal defense attorney with strong community ties can be beneficial to your case. Attorneys connected with the local community may have established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials, which can facilitate smoother negotiations and more favorable plea deals. Plus, their familiarity with local court procedures and personnel can provide strategic insights to support your case.
Personal Dedication to Clients
Some large law firms have countless attorneys and legal assistants who manage their cases. In some of these law firms, it can be difficult to get personal attention. When searching for a good DUI attorney, look for a lawyer who you can count on to be by your side throughout your case. Ensure the attorney you hire will be the one who works directly with you on your case.
Access to Legal Resources
Hiring a criminal defense attorney with access to robust legal resources can support a stronger defense strategy. Attorneys affiliated with a large firm that can provide resources for detailed and complex cases can access specialized knowledge, advanced research tools, and expert consultants to build a robust case on your behalf. They can provide a more thorough and comprehensive defense, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Clear Pricing & Payment Plans
In most cases, defending a DUI charge with the help of an attorney comes with costs. You will need to pay a private attorney to work on your case. Look for an attorney who makes it clear what that cost will be. Some attorneys offer flat-rate pricing or an estimated cost for the expenses. Also, look for an attorney who offers payment plans if you are unable to pay up-front for the cost of your defense.
Related: What You Should Expect from Your Attorney in Every Case
Start with a Free Consultation
When searching for an attorney to take on your case, find a DUI attorney who offers free consultations. A free consultation is your time to gather information about the attorney, share the details of your case, and get an idea of how they can support you.
During the consultation, ask questions about:
- The attorney’s experience
- Similar cases they have worked on
- The expected outcome of your case
- How they will communicate and work with you
- Cost and payment options
For more tips on how to get the most out of a free consultation with an attorney, check out our guide: What to Ask During a Free Consultation with a Lawyer.
Work with DUI Attorney TJ Grimaldi
If you are looking for a DUI attorney in the Tampa area, contact TJ Grimaldi today.
TJ has years of experience fighting for clients in the Tampa area. He knows the best criminal defense strategies to employ during a DUI case and offers personal attention to every one of his clients. TJ works one-on-one with his clients while having access to the resources of his partnering law firm, Mcintyre. If you want the strongest defense strategy after being arrested for a DUI, talk to TJ today.
All consultations are free. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today to see how TJ can fight for you.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
