Dump truck lawyers: How to spot them, and how to avoid them! A dump truck is a lawyer who only wants to dump their clients by pleading them guilty instead of offering a vigorous defense. There are many such lawyers and they can be spotted in several ways.
-- Attorneys who advertise "low fees" or charge a very little are likely dump truck lawyers. Defending drunk driving cases is not simple form work, and a great deal of preparation is required obtaining evidence, preparing motions and gearing up to a jury trial. If you figure that a lawyer typically charges $100 to $400 per hour, ask yourself how much time will an attorney spend on your case for a fee of $500.00. It takes about four hours to plead a person guilty, review a probation report recommendation, and have the accused sentenced.
-- Similarly, attorneys who charge a very low retainer but an outrageously high trial fee are likely trying to persuade clients to avoid going to trial. Motions, evidentiary hearings, and trial preparation takes a lot of time, but reviewing the case is the first step in that process and that takes time too.
-- At the initial meeting, ask the attorney how many trials he or she has done in recent years. Specifically ask how many of the attorney's trials have been jury trials. Bench trials before a judge are often times referred to as slow guilty pleas. You'd be surprised how many lawyers NEVER take cases to trial. Attorneys create a reputation for themselves with judges and prosecutors. If you walk into the courthouse with an attorney who never takes cases to trial, everyone already knows it.
-- The initial meeting with a prospective attorney takes time. It is not unreasonable to spend an hour to an hour and a half discussing your case before deciding to hire an attorney. An attorney who is willing to cite a small retainer over the phone after a brief conversation or who wants to meet you in court with cash in hand isn't putting time into your case. It's very easy in most Michigan courts to reduce an OWI to impaired, and it doesn't take a lot of charm, persuasion, or sound legal arguments.
-- If the attorney immediately begins to discuss plea bargain options before obtaining evidence regarding your case, this should be a grave cause for concern. When a lawyer's best plan is to plead you guilty, you have a pretty poor plan!
Please do not hesitate to call our law offices if you have been charged with a drunk driving DUI OWI DWI charge. Call us toll free at (888) 941-1122. Experienced drunk driving defense attorneys are ready to help you fight your case.
Disclaimer: The materials contained in this web site have been prepared for informational purposes only. The information is general in nature, and it may not apply to particular factual or legal circumstances. In any event, the materials do not constitute legal advice or opinions and should not be relied upon as such. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon any information in this web site without seeking professional counsel.
© Copyright 2007 Maze Legal Group, PC. All Rights Reserved.
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