Archives - February, 2008



READER QUESTION:

What is an AV rated Jacksonville DUI attorney, and what is the benefit of using one?

Mark

Hey, Mark:

The AV rating system is a great way to gauge the expertise of the lawyers you are looking at. It is a system for lawyers, by lawyers, of lawyers, etc., etc. It’s basically a peer review system, the lawyer way of leaving a positive note on your Facebook wall. Okay, a little more complex than that, but you’re basically, when looking at an AV rated Jacksonville DUI attorney, seeing the opinion from the experts in the field, which has a lot more value than just the average recommendation.

An AV rating for an AV rated Jacksonville DUI attorney measures a couple of things. You’re going to get a high AV rating if you have a good deal of experience and expertise in your field, if your well esteemed amongst your peers, and if you have a stellar track record.






READER QUESTION:

What do I need to know when hiring a Jacksonville DUI attorney?

Tonya

Good question, Tanya.

You know, even if you go into your consultation armed with correct information, knowing the right questions is still one of the most important things in the process of hiring a Jacksonville DUI attorney. Here are a couple of suggestions. Bring a notepad!

  • Ask the lawyer for the number of drunk driving cases s/he has taken to court.
  • Are you a scholar in DUI law (i.e. are you published?)?
  • Has someone in your firm been experienced in showing police how to perform FSTs (field sobriety tests)?
  • How much of your time do you spend on defending DUI cases?
  • Do you regularly attend or conduct seminars on drunk driving case law and defense?
  • Do you or any of your employees have any experience in prosecution of DUI cases?

This is just a short list, which should be taken along with ratings, references, and other factors, but it will give you a good look into whether hiring a Jacksonville DUI attorney from this particular law firm is a good idea for you.

–Fashun






READER QUESTION:

Can i find a jacksonville dui lawyer online?

craig

Well, Craig:

Many prominent lawyers, from drunk driving law to divorce law to immigration law, have their own websites where they post pricing information, contacts, references, and so on. These sites are often excellent sources of information on DUI law and can provide insight into the lawyer in question, so you can, technically, find a Jacksonville DUI laywer online.

However, when dealing with an online Jacksonville DUI lawyer, you have to act like your walking on ice. The internet is a place where truth is shifty, and this is no different when dealing with legal representatives. Some lawyers who claim on their websites to specialize in DUI law really have no experience in the area, and may offer their “advice” for extremely low prices. While low prices don’t always mean low quality, they should send up a red flag or two.

Even if you take a lawyer’s website into account, the best way to choose your lawyer is to actually meet them in person and speak with them.

–Fashun