If you have been charged with operating while intoxicated, or an OWI, an officer believes that you were operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs. It is highly recommended that you hire an OWI lawyer to help with your case, as there are major consequences to being convicted of an OWI, including possible jail time, fines, and loss of your license. As you look to hire an attorney, it is important to ask specific questions to help you select the right attorney for you. Here are a few important questions to ask an OWI lawyer. 

Do You Specialize in DUI and OWI Cases? 

One of the questions that you want to ask when you are looking to hire an OWI lawyer is whether they are a general attorney or whether they specialize in DUI or OWI cases. Attorneys that specialize in OWI and DUI cases tend to be more familiar with laws pertaining to breathalyzer maintenance and calibration and blood test and toxicology results. Knowing this information can be vital for an attorney getting a case dismissed, charge reduced, or winning your case. 

What Percentage of Your DUI and OWI Cases Were Dismissed or Had the Charges Reduced? 

Another important question to ask an OWI attorney is what percentage of their cases have gone to trial, what percentage of their cases had the charges reduced, and what percentage of their cases were dismissed. Ideally, you want the charges against you dismissed or reduced. As such, you want to find a lawyer who has a track record of being able to get their cases reduced or dismissed. 

What Outcome Would You Expect With My Case? 

Always ask an OWI lawyer specifically what they think the outcome of your case will be. They should be able to tell you what challenges are present with your case and what defenses they think may be applicable in your case. This gives you an idea of how they plan to defend you against the charges you are facing. 

How Much Do You Charge For an OWI Case? 

Lastly, be sure to ask an OWI attorney how much they charge for an OWI case. Some attorneys charge a flat rate, while others may charge by the hour. If they charge by the hour, they should be able to give you a rough estimate as to how many hours of work they put into their DUI or OWI cases. 

A great OWI attorney will work hard to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced by using defenses that may be applicable to your case. This is important, as there can be steep penalties if you are convicted of operating while intoxicated. If you have been charged with an OWI, reach out to local OWI lawyers as soon as possible and start the process of interviewing them to help you find the lawyer who is the best fit for you and your OWI case. 

For more information, contact an OWI lawyer near you.