Top Beaverton, OR Drunk Driving Lawyers Near You

Are You Facing Drunk Driving Charges?

If you are faced with drunk driving charges, you are undoubtedly worried about what is going to happen. Of course drunk driving charges are serious, but whatever charges you are facing can be mitigated with the help of an experienced Beaverton drunk driving lawyer.

Drunk Driving Offenses

There are many things that fall under drunk driving offenses, depending on the state you are in. For instance, many people are familiar with driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI), and these are most often associated with alcohol consumption.

Did you know that these offenses and others like them also take into account drugs, controlled substances and other factors that may impair a person’s ability to drive? Additionally, these offenses are not just for cars and trucks, a person on a bike, or even a boat can receive these same stiff criminal charges.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

How to Find the Right Attorney

• Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
• Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
• Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.