Comprehensive Arizona DUI Information
beware of deceptive advertising...
Free market competition among lawyers is good, but you must educate yourself so you know what to avoid...
Beware of bogus referral websites. There are lawyer referral sites all over the internet set up to create the impression that just because a DUI lawyer (or any other type of lawyer) affiliates with them, they must be good or the best. Beware, many of these companies contact every lawyer they can, and whoever pays them gets the site or the link. If a website claims to be an "association" or other fancy sounding title, ask yourself who accredits that website or firm as an association. If the answer isn't readily apparent from the website, you may be on to something. When in doubt, contact the State Bar and ask if they sanction or recognize the association claimed in the website.
Beware of the blind submission site, where the website boasts that they have a network of DUI lawyers in place, or even have offices in every state. This is the type of site where you fill out a blind form and it is mailed to a number of lawyers in your area dying to take your case. They can then bid for the privilege of representing you. A couple of problems. First, do you really want a lawyer who will engage in a bargaining war for the privilege of handling your DWI? If so, do you realize that in addition to cutting their rates to "compete" for your business, these lawyers probably also give a cut or kickback to the referral service. I challenge any lawyer reading this to bring to my attention a single solitary DUI defense law firm that actually has an associate (employee) or an equity partner in every state (and I'm not talking about a BS "of counsel" relationship with hundreds of lawyers to puff up the letterhead).
Beware of the bait and switch. Yes, it applies to some law firms too! It goes like this. You meet with the named attorney (the one whose name appears in the yellow pages or on the door). That attorney spends some time selling you the services of his firm, hinting that he will be intricately involved in your case. He or she has other highly skilled lawyers working for him or her, and it will be a "team" effort. Ask that lead attorney how many times will he/she will promise in writing to go to court with you. If your answer is something like "we can't promise that," count on never seeing that attorney ever again after you give him/her your money.
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