No one ever expects to be arrested. It often comes as a surprise due to some lapse in judgment or mistake. Being on the receiving end of arrests and criminal charges can be traumatizing. The first thing that goes through people’s head is often, “What will everyone think of me?” and then immediately it’s “Do I need a lawyer?” If you’ve been arrested, then yes, you need a lawyer. Attorneys work with clients to make sure they are well-represented in the court system. Legal representation is one of the fundamental principles of America’s judicial system. Everyone’s presumed innocent until proven guilty and has the right to a fair trial. But how do you know if your lawyer is actually any good? It’s a fair question. For example, if you’re charged with drunk driving, how do you know the DWI attorney Austin, Texas has available is competent?

Check Their Credentials

Fortunately, attorneys have a fairly public record. You can see the cases they’ve handled and what the results were. You can see if they’ve ever been in any trouble with their licenses or their ability to work in a given state. Like a typical DWI attorney, Austin, Texas lawyers will often give a free consultation to prospective clients. You’ll be able to talk with them about how they’ll work your case or help in a given situation. Ask them to explain their history working similar cases, and what the outcomes were.

Ask for References from DWI Attorney Austin, Texas

References can work one of two ways. When looking for a DWI attorney, Austin, Texas is a fairly close-knit community. Asking around among family and friends for a referral is always a smart move. No one’s going to recommend a lawyer they had a bad experience with. Likewise, any time you meet with an attorney for the first time, ask them for references you can call. They can give you the names of past or current clients you can speak to about what it’s like working with them.

Ultimately, choosing the right lawyer comes down to confidence. Do you have confidence in them and do they have confidence they can mount an effective defense in your case? For one of the best DWI attorneys, Austin, Texas’ own Stephen Bowling & Associates is one of the most experienced case lawyers in the state. Contact us today to see how we can help if you or your loved one needs legal help. Our dedicated team will be happy to give you the advice and support you need in times of trouble.