Facing a DUI in Stroudsburg presents a number of serious risks. Not only are you facing fines and a driver’s license suspension, but a DUI conviction could potentially lead to jail time, loss of your job (or future job opportunities), and other financial and non-financial consequences as well.
As a result, it is essential that you put an experienced Stroudsburg DUI attorney on your side.
When hiring a DUI attorney to represent you, it is important to know what to expect from your legal representation. Knowing what to expect will allow you to make better-informed decisions, and this will ultimately help maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
What You Should Be Able to Expect from Your DUI Attorney in Stroudsburg, PA
So, what can (and should) you expect from your Stroudsburg DUI attorney? Here’s what you need to know:
What to Expect from Your Stroudsburg DUI Attorney
- Your Attorney Will Provide a Free Initial Consultation – Your DUI case will start with a free initial consultation. This truly is free, and you will not be obligated to move forward if you decide not to hire the attorney for any reason.
- Your Information Will Be Kept Confidential – Your DUI attorney will keep all information you share strictly confidential. Your attorney will not disclose any information about your case—to prosecutors, in court, or otherwise—unless you authorize your attorney to do so.
- Your Attorney Will Clearly Explain the Costs of Your Legal Representation – Before you commit to moving forward, your attorney will clearly explain the costs of your legal representation. Your legal fees will be clearly documented, and you will know exactly how much you will have to pay if you move forward.
- Your Attorney Will Clearly Explain the Potential Outcomes of Your Case – Once you commit to moving forward, your attorney will clearly explain the potential outcomes of your case. These potential outcomes will depend on the specific circumstances at hand. Broadly speaking, however, the potential outcomes of a DUI case in Stroudsburg include resolving your case via pre-trial diversion, negotiating a plea bargain, and taking your case to court.
- You Will Receive the Advice You Need to Make Informed Decisions – After evaluating the facts of your case, your attorney will provide the advice you need to make an informed decision about how best to proceed. Your attorney will then continue to provide the advice you need to make informed decisions throughout the remainder of your DUI case.
- Your Defense Strategy Will Be Tailored to Your Case – Unless you decide to pursue pre-trial diversion (in which case it will be up to you to complete the pre-trial diversion program successfully), your attorney will develop and execute a defense strategy that is custom-tailored to your case. Using the fact and evidence at hand, or the lack thereof, your attorney will work to resolve your case without unnecessary consequences.
- Your Attorney Will Represent You in Plea Negotiations (if Warranted) – If it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid a conviction at trial and you are not eligible for pre-trial diversion, then targeting a plea deal may be your best option. If you decide to target a plea deal, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
- Your Attorney Will Represent You in Court (if Necessary) – If you decide that the best option is to fight your DUI charge in court, your attorney will be prepared to fight by all means available. A Stroudsburg DUI attorney who has extensive experience representing clients in court will know what it takes to represent you effectively (though there are no guarantees of success).
- Your Attorney Will Put Your Interests First – In all aspects of your DUI case, your attorney will put your interests first. Your attorney will provide advice with your best interests in mind, and your attorney will fight for you while the prosecutor is fighting for a conviction.
- You Will Be Able to Contact Your Attorney When You Need To – You can expect to be able to get in touch with your DUI attorney when you need to discuss your case. If your attorney is not immediately available, you should hear back at the first available opportunity.
What Not to Expect from Your Legal Representation
- Your Attorney Will Not Represent You for Free – While your initial consultation is free, you will need to pay for your legal representation. But, if your attorney helps you avoid a DUI conviction, the immediate and long-term costs you avoid will likely far exceed your legal fees.
- Your Attorney Will Not Make Any Guarantees – No attorney can provide a guarantee regarding the outcome of your DUI case. Your attorney cannot force the prosecutor to negotiate, and your attorney cannot force the judge or jury to dismiss your DUI charge in court.
- You Will Not Be Able to Ignore Your DUI Case – Your attorney will need you to remain actively involved in your DUI case. If you don’t provide the information your attorney needs, your attorney won’t be able to provide effective representation.
- Your Attorney Will Not Violate His or Her Ethical Responsibilities – While your attorney will fight to protect you by all means available, your attorney will not violate his or her ethical responsibilities. Your attorney is an officer of the court, and your attorney has an obligation to comply with Pennsylvania’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
- You Will Not Be Your Attorney’s Only Client – Finally, while you can expect to be able to get in touch with your DUI attorney when you need to, you will not be your attorney’s only client. As a result, there may be times when you need to wait for an answer to your question. But, you can still expect your attorney to handle your case diligently, as this falls within your attorney’s ethical and professional responsibilities as well.
Facing a DUI in Stroudsburg? Schedule a Free Consultation with DUI Attorney Brian C. Jordan
Are you facing a DUI charge in Stroudsburg? If so, Stroudsburg DUI attorney Brian C. Jordan can help protect you. For a free consultation, call 570-282-9485 or request an appointment online today.